Yunyan Tansheng (780–841) was a renowned Chan Buddhist master of the Tang Dynasty, known for his sharp wit and profound teachings. A disciple of Yaoshan Weiyan, he later became the teacher of Dongshan Liangjie, founder of the Caodong (Soto Zen) school. One of the most famous gongans (koans) associated with him is the dialogue about “Bodhisattva’s thousand hands and eyes”.
(more…)Author: Ana
-
No wisdom beyond clouds and water
Chan Master Yaoshan Weiyan (751–834), also known as Weiyan, was a significant Chinese Chan (Zen) master during the Tang Dynasty. He is disciple of Shitou Xiqian, one of the key figures in the evolution of Chan. Master Weiyan’s monastic life was spent primarily at Yaoshan (Medicine Mountain), where he taught numerous students who went on to become influential masters themselves.
(more…) -
The Chan Master who pocketed his fame
Chan Master Chongxian (980–1052), also known as Xuedou Chongxian, was a prominent Chinese Chan (Zen) master of the Song Dynasty. He is best known for his “Collection of Gathas on the Blue Cliff Record” (Biyan Lu), a classic Chan text that became one of the most influential works in Zen literature.
(more…) -
Go drink tea！
Master Zhaozhou Congshen was a highly influential Chinese Chan Buddhist master of the Tang Dynasty. A key disciple of Master Nanquan Puyuan, he is celebrated for his profound yet unconventional wisdom expressed through paradoxical actions and dialogues (koans).
(more…) -
Nanquan Slays the Cat
Chan Master Nanquan Puyuan (748–834 CE) was a respected disciple of Mazu Daoyi, one of the great figures in Tang Dynasty Chan Buddhism. Master Zhaozhou Congshen) was a highly influential Chinese Chan Buddhist master of the Tang Dynasty. A key disciple of Master Nanquan Puyuan, he is celebrated for his profound yet unconventional wisdom expressed through paradoxical actions and dialogues (koans).
(more…) -
A monk of no affairs
One day, Chan Master Danxia Tianran lay sprawled across the Tianjin Bridge in Luoyang City. When Governor Zheng Yuqing passed by during an official inspection, his guards demanded: “Why block the governor’s path?”
(more…) -
Danxia Burns the Buddha
Chan Master Danxia Tianran is a renowned monk in Tang dynasty. He was the founder of Danxia Temple on Mount Danxia in Nanzhao County, Henan.
(more…) -
The woman on his back (but not in his mind)
Danxia Tianran was a famous Chan master in Tang Dynasty. Once he was traveling with a fellow practitioner. They encountered a muddy path after heavy rain, and the river had risen, making it difficult to pass.
(more…) -
The Origin of the Dharma Name Tianran
After becoming an ordained monk, Danxia traveled to Jiangxi to visit Master Mazu, thanking him for his earlier guidance.
(more…)