Ganhwaseon is a traditional meditation practice representing Korean Buddhism. The term "ganhwa" (看話) means "to closely examine the hwadu." It is a Zen practice of attaining sudden enlightenment by holding a hwadu and continuously questioning it.
Master Subul, who recently published "Push It Through," a Ganhwaseon practice guide, met with Seoul Economic Daily at Anguk Seon Center of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism in Jongno-gu, Seoul. "Ganhwaseon is a method of realizing the true nature of the truth that the Buddha awakened to," he said, introducing it as "the easiest and fastest practice through which modern people can approach enlightenment." Master Subul, who opened Anguk Seon Center in 1989 and has led the popularization of Ganhwaseon, has served as president of the Buddhist Newspaper and abbot of Beomeosa Temple, and currently serves as director of Anguk Seon Center and chairman of BBS Buddhist Broadcasting System.
"The reason Ganhwaseon, created more than 1,000 years ago, has continued until now is that the teaching method is easy and those who study it can easily accept it," Master Subul explained. "For that reason, the Jogye Order has adopted it as the foundation of its practice."
The core of Ganhwaseon is the "hwadu." Master Subul defined it as "a means to realize the truth." "A hwadu is a doubt devised to reach the source. It is practiced through hwadu-doubt until one advances toward the truth. One must concentrate on the hwadu whether moving or still."
During the interview, Master Subul snapped his fingers and posed the hwadu: "What makes the finger move?" "People say the brain, nerves, mind, or soul move the finger. But such knowledge and discrimination obstruct enlightenment. You must push the doubt of 'what makes it do this' to the very end. Zen meditation is a practice that brings about awakening through direct experience, not through knowledge."
Master Subul compared Ganhwaseon practice to "a process of breaking through a wall." "People do not even know they are trapped within a wall, but Ganhwaseon makes them feel that wall and tells them they can break it," he explained. "The hwadu is what has been presented as the method for breaking the wall."
He also emphasized that Ganhwaseon is not a practice only for those who have renounced worldly life. "Even 1,000 years ago, scholar-officials attained enlightenment through Ganhwaseon," Master Subul said. "Whether monastic or lay, anyone can practice it." He added, "It is no exaggeration to say that Ganhwaseon was actually created for lay practitioners."
However, he said a teacher is essential for the practice. "On a road you travel for the first time, someone who knows the road must guide you so you can travel it easily. Practice is the same. With a guide, you can advance more smoothly, but without one, you may practice without even knowing where you are going."
He stressed that what matters in Zen meditation is "the will to definitely achieve enlightenment." "Even when the same hwadu is presented, the feeling can differ depending on the person receiving it," Master Subul said. "Someone who comes with faith in experiencing it and someone who does not will have different results even when hearing the same thing." He added, "A person with the right karmic connection can resolve their concern within a week."
Master Subul also commented on the essence of the happiness modern people should pursue. "Everyone pursues happiness, but having everything one wants does not make one happy. What humans fear most is 'the fear of the unknown.' When you overcome that fear and open your eyes to enlightenment, you can experience true happiness."
