Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature
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Zen Master Zhixian, a Tang Dynasty monk, first studied under Baizhang Huaihai before seeking guidance from Master Weishan Lingyou.
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Chan Master Zhizang (735–814 CE), also known as Xitang Zhizang, was a renowned Tang Dynasty master. Ordained young, he became a close disciple of Mazu Daoyi at thirteen, later honored among the Three Great Disciples of Hongzhou alongside Baizhang Huaihai and Nanquan Puyuan. He studied with National Preceptor Huizhong and trained under Ox-Head School’s…
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Master Yaoshan Weiyan (751–834 CE) was a prominent Chan (Zen) master during the Tang Dynasty. Born in Guizhou Province, Weiyan became a monk at an early age and studied under several masters before ultimately becoming a disciple of Master Shitou Xiqian. He founded Yaoshan Temple, from which he got his name, in Hunan (now…
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Huangbo Xiyun was an influential Chinese Chan Buddhist master from Fujian province, renowned for his role in developing the “sudden enlightenment” approach and mentoring Linji Yixuan (founder of the Linji/Rinzai school). As a disciple of Baizhang Huaihai, he became famous for his uncompromising teaching style — using shouts, strikes, and paradoxical dialogues to awaken…
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Master Nanquan Puyuan (748–834 CE) was a revered Chinese Chan (Zen) master of the Tang Dynasty, known for his profound teachings and role in shaping the Linji (Rinzai) school of Chan Buddhism. He was a student of Baizhang Huaihai, another great Chan master, and is celebrated for his direct and often paradoxical methods to…
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Chan Master Huangbo Xiyun was a highly influential Chinese Chan (Zen) master during the Tang Dynasty, known for his profound teachings and contributions to the development of Chan Buddhism.