Xiuxi zhiguan zuochan fayao

Xiuxi zhiguan zuochan fayao (J. Shujū shikan zazenhōyō; K. Susŭp chigwan chwasŏn pŏbyo 修習止觀坐禪法要). “Essentials for Sitting in Meditation and Cultivating Calmness and Contemplation”. A popular meditation manual by Tiantai Zhiyi, composed around 575–585; often referred to by the short title of Xiao zhiguan.

Tiantai Zhiyi is known to have composed this treatise as a guide for training his brother Zhen Zhen.

The Princeton Dictionary states:

The treatise is divided into ten chapters: (1) necessary conditions, (2) rebuking desires, (3) discarding obstructions, (4) regulation, (5) expedient methods (upāya), (6) proper cultivation, (7) manifestation of the (roots of) virtue (kuśalamūla), (8) recognizing Mara, (9) healing ailments, and (10) attainment of fruits. The practice of meditation outlined in the treatise is based on the twenty-five preparatory expedient methods of the Dazhidu lun and the Shi chan boluomi cidi chanmen. As the title makes clear, the general purpose of the treatise is to provide the essentials for the concurrent practice of calming (śamatha) and insight (vipaśyanā).

Title variations

Title variations include:

• Xiuxi zhiguan zuochan fayao (修習止觀坐禪法要). Translated as:
  • “Essentials for Sitting in Meditation and Cultivating Calmness and Contemplation” (Princeton Dictionary)
  • "Essentials of Practicing Śamatha and Vipaśyanā Meditation" (Digital Dictionary of Buddhism)
  • "Essentials for Practicing Serenity, Insight, and Dhyāna" (Thubten Chodron)
• Xiao zhiguan (小止觀) (“Shorter Calming and Contemplation”).
• (Tiantai) Xiao zhiguan (“Shorter Calming and Contemplation of [Tiantai]”).
• Tongmeng zhiguan (“Calming and Contemplation for Neophytes”)

Sources

• Buswell, Robert E.; Lopez, Donald S. (2014), The Princeton Dictionary of Buddhism, Princeton University 
• 修習止觀坐禪法要, Digital Dictionary of Buddhism (to sign in, see DDB sign-in)

Further reading

• tbd