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The unspoken Hundred Flavors
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AnaMaster Yaoshan Weiyan (751–834 CE) was a prominent Chan (Zen) master during the Tang Dynasty. Born in Guizhou Province, Weiyan became a monk at an early age and studied under several masters before ultimately becoming a disciple of Master Shitou Xiqian. He founded Yaoshan Temple, from which he got his name, in Hunan (now…
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The Six-Windowed Room
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AnaChan Master Xuelang Hong’en （1548 – 1608CE）was a notable Chinese Chan (Zen) master whose teachings contributed significantly to the development and spread of Chan Buddhism in China. He used the vivid metaphors “a monkey in a six-windowed room” to illustrate the interplay between perception and intrinsic Buddha-nature and inspired chan master Yangshan Huiji.
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Deny the real too!
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AnaChan Master Dazhu Huihai, a prominent Tang Dynasty monk, was ordained under Master Daozhi at Dayun Temple in Yuezhou. After reading Huihai’s writing (The Essential Gateway to Truth by Sudden Awakening), Master Mazu Daoyi praised him as “Great Pearl” — a Buddhist symbol of awakening and wisdom — hence later generations also referred to…
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The whole universe is an eye
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AnaA monk asked Master Xishan: “What is Bodhidharma’s purpose coming West?”Xishan answered by raising his whisk. Dissatisfied, the monk sought Master Xuefeng.
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Capsize boat before vs. after crossing the sea
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AnaChan Master Xuefeng Yicun (822-908) stands as one of the most influential figures in Tang Dynasty Chan Buddhism. Born into a devout Buddhist family, he demonstrated early spiritual maturity — expressing monastic aspirations by age nine and taking full ordination at seventeen. His rigorous training under masters Dongshan Liangjie and Dechan Xuanjian culminated in…
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Mazu and the “Slow-Witted” Sage
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AnaChan Master Wuye (760-821), a prominent Tang Dynasty monk, was a revered disciple of Mazu Daoyi and a key figure in the Hongzhou school of Chan Buddhism. Renowned for his unwavering commitment to ascetic practice. He declined three imperial summons from two different emperors. Lived for decades in rigorous seclusion across Zhongnanshan and Shangluo…