Since time immemorial, we sentient beings have lost sight of our original face. Mistaking the illusive for the real and taking the servant for the master, we foolishly give rise to greed and aversion, creating karma and suffering its retribution—much like a silkworm spinning a cocoon, entangling and binding ourselves with no end to liberation. The ignorant, lacking realization, passively endure suffering without seeking liberation. The wise, though aware that the matter of life and death is paramount and the ocean of suffering boundless, desire liberation yet suffer for lack of a way to attain it.

Out of deep compassion for sentient beings who have no way out of suffering, Shakyamuni Buddha manifested in this world to teach and transform them. All Buddhist scriptures, commentaries, and Dharma gates revolve around this single central theme—realizing the mind and seeing one’s true nature—expounding and illuminating it so that people may awaken from delusion, dispel ignorance, leave the false to return to truth, and follow the path back home.

Among methods that are simple, swift, easy to practice, and close to Chan, none surpasses the Heart-of-Heart Esoteric Dharma. Because this is a formless esoteric practice, it involves no elaborate rituals and requires no construction of a ritual altar. Anyone can practice it anytime and anywhere. Moreover, there is no need to take a roundabout path, cultivate preliminary practices, or proceed gradually from form to formlessness; one can directly realize the essential nature and bring forth its wondrous functioning. For this reason, it has often been praised as “Chan-Esoteric Buddhism.” Although this designation is not entirely appropriate, the meaning it conveys is rich and ample.