The kan huatou (inspecting the critical phrase) method of meditation represents one of many examples of the sinicization of Buddhism. Formulated and popularised by the Song dynasty master Dahui Zonggao (1089-1163), it spread to Japan, Vietnam and Korea and today represents the most popular form of Chan meditation practice in mainland China. This chapter provides some background on the history and function of this method. It especially includes a translation of the religious instructions delivered by Chan master Laiguo (1881-1953) during one meditation session at Gaomin Monastery in 1942. Characterized by an incisive, vernacular style, Laiguo's oral instructions attest to the continuity of both the kan huatou method and the linguistic and literary strategies of the Chan school in contemporary China.