Zen Master Longshan (also known as Hidden Mountain Monk) was a renowned Chan Buddhist monk of the Tang Dynasty. After receiving Dharma transmission from Chan Master Mazu Daoyi, he chose to retreat deep into mountains for spiritual practice, remaining secluded from society throughout his life. Dwelling in austere simplicity at Long Mountain (Dragon Mount, in Tanzhou, Hunan; present-day Changsha), he pursued enlightenment with unwavering devotion, wholly detached from worldly concerns.
(more…)Author: Ana
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The “hell” and “paradise”
Chan Master Hakuin Ekaku (1686–1769 CE) was one of the most influential figures in Japanese Rinzai Zen Buddhism.
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One puff of wind vs. Eight
Chan Master Foyin (1032–1098 CE) was a renowned Chinese Chan (Zen) master of the Song Dynasty, known for his wisdom, humor, and deep spiritual insight.
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Insects in the rice
At a Chan monastery, the monastic chef was a highly respected role. Master Shishuang, who had trained in several temples before, served as grain keeper under Master Weishan.
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A Buddha’s Unheeded Rescue
A man journeyed through mountains and rivers, enduring great hardship. While crossing a steep cliff, he slipped and fell into a deep ravine. As he plummeted, he desperately grabbed an old branch growing from the cliffside — saving himself but left dangling mid-air.
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When retreating propels you forward: Wu De’s Dragon-Tiger Koan
Monks at Longhu Temple (Dragon-Tiger Temple) were painting a “Dragon-Tiger Battle” mural on the front wall. They struggled to capture dynamic tension: the dragon coiled in clouds, ready to descend; the tiger crouched on a mountain, poised to pounce.
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Realizing the Dao in the present moment
Chan Master Huangbo Xiyun was a highly influential Chinese Chan (Zen) master during the Tang Dynasty, known for his profound teachings and contributions to the development of Chan Buddhism.
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The Chan homemaker and the flowers
Chan Master Wu De refers to Master Fenyang Shanzhao, a renowned Chan master of the Song Dynasty and a monk of the Linji school. In Chan practice, Shanzhao pioneered innovative forms such as Dai-Bie (substitute phrases and critical amendments—revising interpretations of koan dialogues) and Song-Gu (eulogizing antiquity—praising ancient koans through poetic verses). He compiled 100 dialogues of ancestral enlightenment encounters, expounding each with a gatha verse. This marked Chan’s transition from ‘not establishing words’ to ‘literary Chan’, pioneering a new path for Chan’s evolution in the Song era.”
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Zen Masters speaking through the Staff
Chan Master Linji Yixuan was one of the most influential figures in the history of Chan (Zen) Buddhism, particularly known for founding the Linji school. His teachings emphasized direct experience over scriptural study, advocating for a practice that cuts through delusion to achieve sudden enlightenment. Linji is famous for his use of shocking techniques, such as shouting and striking, to jolt students into awakening.
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