Chan contemplative practice (禪觀修學), as one of the core practices of Chinese Buddhism, has, through historical evolution, seen its practical functions gradually marginalized. Despite Chinese Chan embodying a profound theoretical and practical tradition, adapting it to the contemporary societal context and constructing a feasible mode of practice remains a crucial challenge in modernization. Master Chi Chern's "Chinese Chan Contemplative Practice Framework" follows a core logic of "from simplicity to complexity” (由簡入繁) and “the integration of simplicity and complexity” (繁簡貫通). It is founded on "possessing correct views (具足正見) and proceeds through "preparatory practice,” (修前方便) "main practice," (正修方便) “the sequence of Chan practice,” (禪修次第) to the "method of Chan contemplation," (禪觀方法) thereby forming a clearly layered, practice-oriented system. This system not only meets the needs of contemporary practitioners but also provides a systematic, para-digmatic solution for the modernization of Chinese Chan. From a historical perspective, the system is rooted in the Chan lineage while drawing on Tiantai Comtemplative System (止觀) for its sequential structure and integrating the broader heritage of Chinese Buddhism. In contemporary global settings, it has taken shape as a well-structured, highly operable training paradigm, demonstrating both modern adaptability and considerable potential for wider dissemination.
