Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature
The nun Xuanji of Wenzhou, ordained during the Tang Jingyun era (710–711 CE), meditated in stone caves on Great Sun Mountain. One day she reflected: “Dharma-nature is inherently pure — why cling to stillness over noise?” She journeyed to meet Master Xuefeng.
Yongjia Xuanjue, a monk from Wenzhou, initially practiced Tiantai meditation until he awakened upon reading the Vimalakīrti Sūtra. Lacking a master’s confirmation, he met Dongyang Xuance — a disciple of the Sixth Patriarch Huineng — who urged him to seek verification at Caoxi.
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.
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…
Master Huineng (638–713 CE), also known as the Sixth Patriarch of Chan Buddhism, is one of the most influential figures in Chinese Buddhist history. Born into a poor family and uneducated, he attained enlightenment upon hearing a recitation of the Diamond Sutra, and later became a disciple of the Fifth Patriarch, Master Hongren.
While traveling in Huangmei, Chan Master Daoxin encountered a seven-year-old boy (later known as Hongren) whose speech revealed extraordinary wisdom.
Sengcan (510–606 CE) was the Third Patriarch of Chinese Chan (Zen) Buddhism. In his early forties, Sengcan, then a lay follower, visited Master Huike, the Second Patriarch, and attained awakening under Huike’s guidance. Huike then ordained him as a monk and passed on to him the robe and bowl — the symbolic transmission of…
Chan Master Chongxin of Longtan Temple in Lizhou was born to an unnamed pastry vendor in Zhugong. Exceptionally bright as a youth, he encountered Monk Daowu — secretly invited by Lingjian to lead Tianhuang Temple — who then dwelled unrecognized by the public.
Zen Master Lingmo, a prominent Tang Dynasty master, first studied under Mazu Daoyi in Jiangxi without awakening. Later, at Mount Heng, he encountered Master Shitou Xiqian.