Fu Dashi (497–569 CE), dharma name Shanhui, was a devoted Buddhist practitioner who, throughout his life, never became a monk but cultivated the path as a lay follower (upāsaka). At the age of twenty-four, he received guidance from Master Bodhidharma, which inspired him to vow deep commitment to spiritual practice. He later achieved great attainments in the Dharma.
Fu Dashi was a revered master of Chan Buddhism during the Liang Dynasty. He is honored as the founding patriarch of Shuanglin Temple in Yiwu and is regarded as the First Patriarch of Chinese Weimo (Vimalakīrti) Chan. Along with Bodhidharma and Baozhi, he is known as one of the “Three Great Masters of the Liang Dynasty.”
Emperor Wu of Liang invited Great Master Shanhui (Fu Dashi) to expound the Diamond Sutra. Upon ascending the Dharma seat, Fu Dashi waved the ruler once and immediately descended. The bewildered emperor asked an attending monk: “Did you comprehend this?” The monk replied: “The master has finished lecturing.”
Another day during a sermon, Emperor Wu arrived. While the assembly stood to bow, Fu Dashi remained seated. A royal guard challenged: “Why not rise before the Son of Heaven?” Fu Dashi answered:
“If the ground of Dharma stirs, all becomes unsettled.”
Once, Fu Dashi attended court wearing a Buddhist robe, Taoist hat, and slippers. Emperor Wu inquired: “Are you a monk?” Fu Dashi pointed to his Taoist hat. “A Taoist?” He pointed to his slippers. “A layperson?” He pointed to his robe.
Philosophical Notes
Silence as Supreme Dharma
The waved ruler and abrupt descent embodied Zen’s core: Truth transcends words. The Diamond Sutra’s essence (“emptiness”) was expressed through non-action.
Unmovable Dharma Ground
Fu Dashi’s refusal to stand revealed: Enlightenment recognizes no worldly authority. “Dharma ground” symbolizes the mind’s unshakable suchness — bowing would’ve “stirred” its perfection.
Beyond Labels: The Three Teachings as One
His mixed attire dismantled artificial divisions (Buddhism/Taoism/life). Pointing to each item declared: Truth wears all robes yet owns none.
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