Yunmen Wenyan (864–949 CE) was one of the most influential Chan (Zen) Buddhist masters during the Five Dynasties period in China. Known for his sharp wit and profound teachings, Yunmen played a pivotal role in shaping the development of Chinese Chan Buddhism, particularly through founding the Yunmen School, which became one of the “Five Houses” of Chan. He is especially noted for his concise yet profound method of teaching, often encapsulated in what is known as the “Yunmen One-Word Barrier”.
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The Demon of Words
Yangshan Huiji was a renowned Tang Dynasty Zen master and co-founder of the Weiyang school, one of the Five Houses of Zen. A principal disciple of Weishan Lingyou, he was celebrated for his poetic Zen dialogues and “circular symbols” — abstract drawings used to provoke awakening.
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The gift rejected
Once, Sakyamuni Buddha was frequently targeted by a man who spewed jealousy and insults at him. Yet the Buddha remained calm and silent.
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The three unavoidable tasks
During the Song Dynasty, the renowned Zen master Dahui had a disciple named Daoqian. Despite years of meditation practice, Daoqian remained unenlightened. One evening, he earnestly confided in his senior brother Zongyuan about his frustration and begged for guidance.
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What the heart holds, the eye beholds
Su Dongpo, the famed poet, shared a close yet playful rivalry with the Buddhist monk Foyin, often trading barbs—though Su usually lost.
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Shenhui’s awakening under the Sixth Patriarch
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.
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