Master Huineng (638–713 CE), also known as the Sixth Patriarch of Chan Buddhism, is one of the most influential figures in Chinese Buddhist history. Born into a poor family and uneducated, he attained enlightenment upon hearing a recitation of the Diamond Sutra, and later became a disciple of the Fifth Patriarch, Master Hongren.
Although illiterate, Huineng’s deep insight and intuitive understanding of Chan led him to inherit the Dharma secretly. He is best known for his teaching that “Bodhi is inherent in one’s own nature”, emphasizing that enlightenment can be realized directly through seeing into one’s true nature — without reliance on scriptures or complex rituals.
In 712 CE, the Sixth Patriarch Huineng dispatched disciples to accelerate construction of the Pagoda of Repayment at Guo’en Temple in his hometown, Xinzhou. A Sichuanese monk named Fangbian arrived, boasting:
“I excel at sculpting human figures.”
Huineng responded intently:
“Sculpt now and show me.”
Missing the Zen invitation, Fangbian molded a lifelike clay statue of Huineng, seven feet tall. Examining it, the Patriarch declared:
“You are skilled in sculptural nature, but unskilled in Buddha-nature.”
He gifted Fangbian robes as payment. The monk bowed and departed.
This occurred one year before Huineng’s parinirvana. The Patriarch — overflowing with Buddha-nature’s compassion — had extended a raft to liberate the monk (“Sculpt now” was a test to awaken him). Yet Fangbian, dull and literal, proudly kneaded clay instead, squandering a rare chance for enlightenment.
Philosophical Notes:
Form vs. Essence
Fangbian’s flawless statue symbolized attachment to outward form, while Huineng’s rebuke exposed the core truth: Buddha-nature lies beyond physical representation.
Missed Opportunity for Liberation
Huineng’s command “Sculpt now” was a sudden gateway to awakening — but Fangbian’s literal interpretation (“make a statue”) revealed his spiritual blindness.
Compassionate Robe, Unreceived Dharma
The gifted robes symbolized pity for unreadiness: Huineng rewarded craftsmanship but mourned the monk’s inability to grasp the living truth beneath his fingers.
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