Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature
Master Xuansha Shibei (835–908 CE) was a prominent Chan (Zen) master of the Tang Dynasty. He and Master Xuefeng Yicun were Dharma brothers under the same teacher.
Master Jingcen, a Tang Dynasty monk revered as “Chan Master Zhaoxian”, “Chan Master Changsha” or “Changsha Monk,” was among the seventeen foremost disciples of Nanquan Puyuan.
Yulin Tongxiu (1614–1675CE), Dharma name Tongxiu, courtesy name Yulin, commonly known as National Master Yulin, was a renowned Chan master of the Linji (Rinzai) school during the transition period between the Ming and Qing dynasties in China. He once served as abbot of Baoren Temple in Wukang, Zhejiang Province. In 1658, he was summoned…
National Teacher Huizhong (675-775CE), widely known as Nanyang Huizhong Guoshi or National Teacher Huizhong of Nanyang, was a revered Tang Dynasty Chan master. He served as imperial preceptor to three emperors (Xuanzong, Suzong, Daizong), earning the title “National Teacher” (imperial preceptor). Born in Zhuji, Yuezhou (modern-day Zhuji, Zhejiang Province), he mastered the sutras and…
Puhua, a Tang Dynasty Chan master (847–859 CE), was renowned for his eccentric ways. A disciple of Panshan Baoji, he roamed streets by day and slept in graveyards by night, ringing a hand bell while singing verses or wailing. Later, he aided Master Linji in propagating the Linji school.
A young man, crushed by repeated failures, came to Puji Temple seeking the advice of Venerable Shi Yuan. He lamented: “What’s the point of living when life is nothing but disappointment?”
Master 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…
Chan 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.
Chan 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…