Chan Master Wuye (760-821), a prominent Tang Dynasty monk, was a revered disciple of Mazu Daoyi and a key figure in the Hongzhou school of Chan Buddhism. Renowned for his unwavering commitment to ascetic practice. He declined three imperial summons from two different emperors. Lived for decades in rigorous seclusion across Zhongnanshan and Shangluo regions. His life epitomized radical renunciation of worldly honors while maintaining impeccable precept observance — a paradigm of “hidden enlightenment” in Chan history.
When Chan Master Wuye of Fenzhou first met Master Mazu Daoyi, Mazu teased his imposing stature and thunderous voice:
“A stately Buddha hall — yet no Buddha within!”
Wuye bowed respectfully: “I grasp the Three Vehicles’ doctrines, but not Chan’s ‘mind itself is Buddha.’”
Seeing his sincerity, Mazu taught:
“This very mind that doesn’t grasp — is Buddha! Nothing else exists. Not grasping is delusion; grasping is awakening. Delusion is sentient being; awakening is Buddha.”
Wuye: “Beyond mind, Buddha, and beings — is there more Dharma?”
Mazu: “Mind, Buddha, beings — undivided! Like a hand making a fist: emptiness is the hand.”
Wuye: “What is Bodhidharma’s purpose coming West?”
Mazu deflected: “Where is Bodhidharma now? Come another time!”
As Wuye turned to leave, Mazu suddenly shouted: “Virtuous One!”
Wuye turned back.
Mazu demanded: “WHAT IS IT?”
Wuye fell to his knees, weeping:
“I thought Buddhahood distant — now I know the Dharma-body’s reality is inherently complete!”
Mazu laughed: “This slow-witted fellow has awakened!”
Philosophical Notes
“Stately Hall, No Buddha” as Mirror:
Mazu’s tease exposed Wuye’s attachment to form (majestic appearance ≠ enlightenment).
Turning Back: The Gateless Gate:
Wuye’s reflex to “Virtuous One!” revealed uncontrived awareness. Mazu’s “WHAT IS IT?” thrust him into presence beyond thought.
Inherent Completion:
Wuye’s tears celebrated realizing:
Dharma-body isn’t attained — it’s always here (like the hand becoming fist).
“Slow-witted” = Irony: awakening requires no intellect.
Chan Essence:
Mazu’s shout was the final suture:
“Virtuous One!” = Hooking Wuye’s seeking mind
“WHAT IS IT?” = Cutting all escape routes
The knee-fall was the sound of the bottomless bucket hitting the ground.
Mazu called Wuye “slow-witted” — yet his awakening proved:
Those who know they’re dullards are closer to truth than “clever” scholars.
As Wuye later taught: “A bucket with no bottom carries the moon effortlessly.”
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