During the Tang Dynasty, Chan Master Baizhang Huaihai was renowned for his strict adherence to monastic rules and his profound teachings.
(more…)Author: Ana
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The gift rejected
Once, Sakyamuni Buddha was frequently targeted by a man who spewed jealousy and insults at him. Yet the Buddha remained calm and silent.
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The three unavoidable tasks
During the Song Dynasty, the renowned Zen master Dahui had a disciple named Daoqian. Despite years of meditation practice, Daoqian remained unenlightened. One evening, he earnestly confided in his senior brother Zongyuan about his frustration and begged for guidance.
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The River of Life
Once, the Buddha was traveling through a forest on a scorching day. Thirsty, he said to his attendant Ānanda: “We crossed a small stream earlier. Return and fetch me water.”
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What the heart holds, the eye beholds
Su Dongpo, the famed poet, shared a close yet playful rivalry with the Buddhist monk Foyin, often trading barbs—though Su usually lost.
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The Buddha that cannot be found
A fraudulent monk, lacking true enlightenment, called himself the “Master of Silence.” To hide his ignorance, he employed two eloquent attendants to answer questions on his behalf. To maintain an air of mystical profundity, he himself never spoke a word.
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Is That So?
Chan Master Hakuin Ekaku (1686–1769 CE) was one of the most influential figures in Japanese Rinzai Zen Buddhism, renowned for revitalizing the tradition during the Edo period. His teachings and practices have profoundly impacted Zen Buddhism, not only in Japan but also around the world.
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The Silent Dialogue
There was a monastery overseen by two brothers. The elder brother was highly learned, while the younger brother was simple-minded and had only one eye.
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The Foolish Question
A man sought to attain the “Dao”, so he went to visit a Zen(Chan) master, asking to become his disciple. To test the man’s insight, the master asked:
“Right now, I have something and yet have nothing. How do you explain this?”
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