One day, Chan Master Danxia Tianran lay sprawled across the Tianjin Bridge in Luoyang City. When Governor Zheng Yuqing passed by during an official inspection, his guards demanded: “Why block the governor’s path?”
Tianran replied leisurely: “I am a monk of no affairs.”
Recognizing Tianran’s extraordinary presence, Governor Zheng not only excused him but also gifted him a bolt of white cloth, two robes, and provisions of rice and flour.
Cultural & Philosophical Notes
“Monk of no affairs”
Embodies Chan’s ideal of “non-action” —not laziness, but freedom from artificial striving. His defiance of authority mirrors Chan’s rejection of worldly hierarchies.
Governor Zheng’s Insight
His discernment (recognizing a “remarkable man”) reflects Confucian wisdom harmonizing with Chan. The gifts symbolize patronage of authentic spirituality over rigid protocol.
The Bridge as Metaphor
Lying on a public bridge represents Zen’s intrusion into mundane life. True awakening isn’t hidden in monasteries but radiates in chaotic spaces.
Historical Context
Tang Dynasty officials like Zheng Yuqing often supported Chan masters, blending governance and spirituality. Gifts of cloth/food acknowledged monastic dependence on lay support.
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