Master Hongzhi lived from 1091-1157 and was the pioneer to teach the practice of Silent Illumination, an ancient method of Chan sect which shared the same importance with the method of Gong’an or Huatou in Song Dynasty .In Zen, the similar method is known as ”Shikantaza”. Master Sheng Yen had conducted an extensive research into the method and had profound experience on the method.  To date, this method is still being taught at Dharma Drum Mountain.   Through the writings of Master Hongzhi, the speaker elucidates the method, its importance, its uses and its theoretical basis within the context of Chan Buddhism tradition.