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.
Once Chan Master Xuedou Chongxian met his hometown friend Zeng Hui by the Huai River. Zeng Hui asked: “Venerable Master, where are you heading?”
Xuedou politely replied: “It’s uncertain — perhaps toward Qiantang, or perhaps to Tiantai.”
Zeng Hui suggested: “The abbot of Lingyin Temple in Hangzhou, Master Shan, is my dear friend. If you wish to go, I’ll write you a letter of introduction. He will surely receive you warmly.”
Yet when Xuedou arrived at Lingyin Temple, he never presented the letter. Instead, he lived incognito among ordinary monks.
Three years later, Zeng Hui was dispatched to Zhejiang. He visited Lingyin Temple to find Xuedou — but no monk knew of him. Zeng Hui searched personally and finally found Xuedou in a humble cell. He questioned: “Why hide so deeply? Did you lose my letter?”
Xuedou answered: “I am but a wandering monk, seeking nothing. How could I act as your courier?” With a laugh, he drew the untouched letter from his robe. Both men roared in laughter.
Zeng Hui then introduced Xuedou to Abbot Shan. After one dialogue, the abbot recognized Xuedou’s wisdom and recommended him as abbot of Cuifeng Temple in Suzhou.
Philosophical Notes
Humility and Non-Attachment: Despite having a letter of recommendation, Xuedou chose not to use it. He lived simply and humbly, showing no desire for status or recognition.
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