Direction of the ICBI
1) The ICBI is directly inspired by the physical and spiritual presence of Ch’an Master Xu Yun (1840-1959). He is viewed as the correct Dharma-Eye for this generation, and his example and teaching serve as the spiritual authority through which the ICBI operates.
2) The ICBI recognises the effectiveness and strength of purpose of traditional Ch’an practice, and supports its preservation and perpetuation.
3) The ICBI recognises the need for good quality academic study in the areas of:
a) Indian Buddhism.
b) Chinese Buddhism.
c) Chinese spiritual culture.
d) Ch’an Buddhism.
e) Daoism.
f) Confucianism.
g) Chinese History
h) Chinese Cultural Interaction with the World.
i) The Chinese Diaspora.
j) Chinese Culture and Post-modernism.
4) The ICBI recognises the importance of the ancient Chinese concept of the ‘enlightened scholar’ who builds insight through the practice of personal virtue.
5) The ICBI recognises that the realisation of the empty Mind Ground must be balanced through an enlightened presence (i.e. ‘function’) within society.
6) The ICBI acknowledges that all actions must be motivated by wisdom and compassion.
7) The ICBI recognises the importance of spiritual strength that is motivated by a sense of cultivated selflessness.
8) The ICBI acknowledges that enlightened behaviour in the world is in accordance with the correct following of the Dao.
9) The direction of the ICBI is open to suggestion and debate.
10) The ICBI constitutes a Ch’an community.
11) The ICBI maintains the standards and good behaviour expected of a Ch’an community.
12) Discipline is maintained through the efforts of the individual or group members. In cases where discipline breaks down, membership will be either temporally or permanently withheld.
2) The ICBI recognises the effectiveness and strength of purpose of traditional Ch’an practice, and supports its preservation and perpetuation.
3) The ICBI recognises the need for good quality academic study in the areas of:
a) Indian Buddhism.
b) Chinese Buddhism.
c) Chinese spiritual culture.
d) Ch’an Buddhism.
e) Daoism.
f) Confucianism.
g) Chinese History
h) Chinese Cultural Interaction with the World.
i) The Chinese Diaspora.
j) Chinese Culture and Post-modernism.
4) The ICBI recognises the importance of the ancient Chinese concept of the ‘enlightened scholar’ who builds insight through the practice of personal virtue.
5) The ICBI recognises that the realisation of the empty Mind Ground must be balanced through an enlightened presence (i.e. ‘function’) within society.
6) The ICBI acknowledges that all actions must be motivated by wisdom and compassion.
7) The ICBI recognises the importance of spiritual strength that is motivated by a sense of cultivated selflessness.
8) The ICBI acknowledges that enlightened behaviour in the world is in accordance with the correct following of the Dao.
9) The direction of the ICBI is open to suggestion and debate.
10) The ICBI constitutes a Ch’an community.
11) The ICBI maintains the standards and good behaviour expected of a Ch’an community.
12) Discipline is maintained through the efforts of the individual or group members. In cases where discipline breaks down, membership will be either temporally or permanently withheld.