Chan Master Sikong Benjing, a renowned Tang Dynasty monk and direct heir of Huineng, presided over Erzu Temple on Sikong Mountain since 713 CE. In 744, Emperor Xuanzong dispatched envoy Yang Guangting to gather herbs in the mountains, where he encountered the master.
Yang bowed at the temple: “Knowing life-death is grave, I seek the Buddhist path. Venerable One, save me with compassion!”
Benjing deflected: “The capital abounds with masters — ask there. I am old, sick, and ignorant.”
Yang persisted.
The master revealed:
“Do you seek Buddhahood or the Dao?
If Buddhahood — your original mind is Buddha.
If the Dao — uncontrived awareness is the Dao.”
Confused, Yang begged elaboration.
Benjing clarified:
“To seek Buddha: your mind is Buddha — Buddha arises from mind. Realize mind’s emptiness, and Buddha vanishes.
To grasp the Dao: uncontrived awareness is the Dao.
Understand ‘no-mind,’ and no-mind becomes the Dao.”
Yang exclaimed:
“Capital masters teach giving, precepts, endurance, asceticism to attain Buddhahood!
Yet you say Buddha-nature — inherently pure — needs no cultivation.
Now I see my past efforts were futile!”
Philosophical Notes
“Original Mind is Buddha”
Benjing rejects external practices, declaring enlightenment is not attained but recognized within one’s innate mind — a core Huineng teaching.
“Uncontrived Awareness” as Ultimate Truth
The term “no-mind” means freedom from conceptual striving. True practice isn’t forcing virtue but abiding in natural clarity.
Critique of Ritualism
Yang’s lament — “futile efforts!” — exposes the futility of mechanical practices (giving/asceticism) when Buddha-nature is already complete.
Zen Essence
Benjing’s teaching embodies the Platform Sutra:
“The deluded cultivate outwardly;
the awakened tend their inner nature.
When clouds of thought vanish, the moon of mind shines alone.”
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