Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature
Monks at Longhu Temple (Dragon-Tiger Temple) were painting a “Dragon-Tiger Battle” mural on the front wall. They struggled to capture dynamic tension: the dragon coiled in clouds, ready to descend; the tiger crouched on a mountain, poised to pounce.
Chan Master Wu De refers to Master Fenyang Shanzhao, a renowned Chan master of the Song Dynasty and a monk of the Linji school. In Chan practice, Shanzhao pioneered innovative forms such as Dai-Bie (substitute phrases and critical amendments—revising interpretations of koan dialogues) and Song-Gu (eulogizing antiquity—praising ancient koans through poetic verses). He compiled…
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 expressed through paradoxical actions and dialogues (koans).
One day, Zen Master Yuanlu asked Great Pearl Huihai(Dazhu Huihai): “Venerable, do you also exert effort in practicing the Chan?”