Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature
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National Teacher Huizhong (675-775CE), widely known as Nanyang Huizhong Guoshi or National Teacher Huizhong of Nanyang, was a revered Tang Dynasty Chan master. He served as imperial preceptor to three emperors (Xuanzong, Suzong, Daizong), earning the title “National Teacher” (imperial preceptor). Born in Zhuji, Yuezhou (modern-day Zhuji, Zhejiang Province), he mastered the sutras and…
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Puhua, a Tang Dynasty Chan master (847–859 CE), was renowned for his eccentric ways. A disciple of Panshan Baoji, he roamed streets by day and slept in graveyards by night, ringing a hand bell while singing verses or wailing. Later, he aided Master Linji in propagating the Linji school.
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Chan Master Xuelang Hong’en （1548 – 1608CE）was a notable Chinese Chan (Zen) master whose teachings contributed significantly to the development and spread of Chan Buddhism in China. He used the vivid metaphors “a monkey in a six-windowed room” to illustrate the interplay between perception and intrinsic Buddha-nature and inspired chan master Yangshan Huiji.
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Chan Master Xuefeng Yicun (822-908) stands as one of the most influential figures in Tang Dynasty Chan Buddhism. Born into a devout Buddhist family, he demonstrated early spiritual maturity — expressing monastic aspirations by age nine and taking full ordination at seventeen. His rigorous training under masters Dongshan Liangjie and Dechan Xuanjian culminated in…
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Chan Master Wuye (760-821), a prominent Tang Dynasty monk, was a revered disciple of Mazu Daoyi and a key figure in the Hongzhou school of Chan Buddhism. Renowned for his unwavering commitment to ascetic practice. He declined three imperial summons from two different emperors. Lived for decades in rigorous seclusion across Zhongnanshan and Shangluo…
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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.
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Chan Master Linji Yixuan was one of the most influential figures in the history of Chan (Zen) Buddhism, particularly known for founding the Linji school. His teachings emphasized direct experience over scriptural study, advocating for a practice that cuts through delusion to achieve sudden enlightenment. Linji is famous for his use of shocking techniques,…
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Chan Master Nanquan Puyuan (748–834 CE) was a respected disciple of Mazu Daoyi, one of the great figures in Tang Dynasty Chan Buddhism. Master Zhaozhou Congshen was a highly influential Chinese Chan Buddhist master of the Tang Dynasty. A key disciple of Master Nanquan Puyuan, he is celebrated for his profound yet unconventional wisdom…