SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

Caoxi

  • Seek verification at Caoxi

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    Ana

    Yongjia Xuanjue, a monk from Wenzhou, initially practiced Tiantai meditation until he awakened upon reading the Vimalakīrti Sūtra. Lacking a master’s confirmation, he met Dongyang Xuance — a disciple of the Sixth Patriarch Huineng — who urged him to seek verification at Caoxi.

  • Lacked nothing before Caoxi

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    Ana

    Chan Master Xingsi ordained in childhood and later sought the Sixth Patriarch Huineng at Caoxi, becoming his foremost disciple. Shitou Xiqian arrived at Caoxi in Huineng’s final years. As the Patriarch prepared to enter nirvana, Xiqian pleaded: “To whom shall I turn after your passing?” Huineng’s dying guidance cut like lightning: “Seek Si” —…

  • Shenhui’s awakening under the Sixth Patriarch

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    Ana

    In his childhood, Shenhui studied classics and history under a teacher, mastering the philosophies of Laozi and Zhuangzi. Later, after reading the Book of the Later Han, he encountered Buddhism and devoted himself to its teachings.

  • [Journey to the West]Su Wu Man: Ask at meditation-pass – explained

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    Juan

    Chapter 8 of Journey to the West marks the beginning of the quest for Buddhist scriptures. The chapter opens with a poem, titled “Su Wu Man: Inquiring at the Zen Gate” (or “Su Wu Man: Ask at meditation-pass”). It was not composed by the author of Journey to the West but by Master Feng…

  • [Journey to the West]Ask at meditation-pass – the lyric Su Wu at Slow Pace

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    Juan

    Chapter 8 of Journey to the West marks the beginning of the quest for Buddhist scriptures. The chapter opens with a poem expressing the arduous path to enlightenment: countless trials must be overcome to attain the highest state of Buddhism.