From the point of view of the scriptures, Chan is precisely Buddhism, and therefore the origins of Chan are to be found in the teachings of the Buddha.

The actual recorded words of Shakyamuni are the dharma of the teachings. The essence of the Buddha's teachings is the dharma of the mind, for its whole purpose is to liberate the mind, which includes liberating oneself as well as liberating sentient beings. The Buddha expounded numerous teachings to sentient beings throughout the whole of his life precisely to liberate the mind. He proclaimed the mind dharma, which includes various methods and guiding concepts for practitioners to tread the path of liberation.

In this lesson we look at those aspects of the Buddha's teachings that are most pertinent to the Buddhism that became Chan.