Chan Master Yaoshan Weiyan (751–834), also known as Weiyan, was a significant Chinese Chan (Zen) master during the Tang Dynasty. He is disciple of Shitou Xiqian, one of the key figures in the evolution of Chan. Master Weiyan’s monastic life was spent primarily at Yaoshan (Medicine Mountain), where he taught numerous students who went on to become influential masters themselves.
During the Tang Dynasty, Governor Li Ao of Langzhou admired Chan Master Yaoshan Weiyan’s virtue. He traveled to visit him, only to find the master reading scriptures under a tree. Though aware of the governor’s arrival, Yaoshan remained still. Even when a disciple urged him, he stayed absorbed in his sutra.
Angered by this disregard, Li Ao scoffed:
“Seeing you pales next to hearing of your fame!(Better heard than met)”
He turned to leave.
Suddenly, Yaoshan spoke coldly:
“Why do you esteem what you hear, Governor, yet disdain what you see?”
Struck by these words, Li Ao turned back, bowed, and asked:
“What is the Dao?”
Yaoshan pointed upward and downward:
“Understand?”
Li Ao shook his head.
Yaoshan declared:
“Clouds in the sky, water in the vase!”
Li Ao, enlightened, composed a verse:
“Forged in crane-like solitude, pines guard two scripture scrolls;
I sought the Way—no complex truths—just clouds above, water below.”
Philosophical Notes
Dissolving Dualities:
Yaoshan’s rebuke — “esteem what you hear, disdain what you see?” — exposes Li Ao’s hierarchical mind. True wisdom sees equality in all phenomena.
The Dao is Everywhere:
By pointing up (sky) and down (vase), Yaoshan reveals:
Clouds: Freedom, impermanence
Water in vase: Stillness, acceptance
Together, they symbolize “suchness”: reality as-is, beyond judgment.
Enlightenment in Simplicity:
Li Ao’s verse celebrates Yaoshan’s teaching:
No complex truths: Rejects intellectual grasping
Clouds above, water below: All things abide in their nature; enlightenment is seeing this unity.
Zen Essence: “Clouds in sky, water in vase” means:
Stop seeking “special” wisdom. A cloud doesn’t strive to be sky; water doesn’t envy clouds. Realize your original nature — undivided from the universe.
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