Yangshan Huiji was a renowned Tang Dynasty Zen master and co-founder of the Weiyang school, one of the Five Houses of Zen. A principal disciple of Weishan Lingyou, he was celebrated for his poetic Zen dialogues and “circular symbols” — abstract drawings used to provoke awakening.
Yangshan was studying under Master Weishan when Weishan warned him: “Child, awaken quickly! Do not cling to words or concepts.”
Yangshan retorted: “I don’t even cling to faith!”
Weishan probed: “Is it because you have faith that you discard it, or because you lack faith?”
Yangshan: “Nothing is worthy of faith but myself.”
Weishan: “Then you remain a follower of the Lesser Vehicle.”
Yangshan: “I don’t even seek to see the Buddha!”
Weishan: “Of all the scriptures, how much was spoken by the Buddha? How much by demons?”
Yangshan: “All spoken by demons!”
Weishan laughed: “Excellent! Nothing can obstruct you now.”
Later, Yangshan inherited Weishan’s lineage, co-founding the Weiyang school of Chan Buddhism.
Epilogue:
Fundamental truth is simple, yet words — meant to express it — become demons barring the path to Zen. Weishan sought to shatter this demon for Yangshan, but Yangshan had already awakened. Why else would he burn the sacred texts?
Cultural & Philosophical Notes
Words as Demons:
Yangshan’s declaration that “all scriptures are demon-spoken” exposes language’s trap: concepts (even “Buddha,” “faith”) crystallize fluid truth into rigid idols. Zen’s goal is to smash intellectual idols — a radical iconoclasm embodied by burning texts.
Faith Beyond Faith:
When Yangshan says “I don’t cling to faith,” he rejects dualism (faith vs. doubt). True awakening is trust in one’s nature — prior to beliefs. Weishan’s praise affirms this non-dual stance.
The “Lesser Vehicle” Trap:
Weishan’s accusation — “you follow the Lesser Vehicle” — targets Yangshan’s residual egoism (“only I am worthy”). By discarding even “Buddha,” Yangshan leaps beyond self-centered enlightenment toward Mahāyāna’s boundless compassion.
Inheritance Through Destruction:
Weishan’s laughter (“Nothing can obstruct you!”) celebrates Yangshan’s realization: awakening isn’t found in scriptures but in annihilating all crutches. This “destructive” insight qualifies him to inherit the lineage.
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