SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

emptiness

  • Zen Masters speaking through the Staff

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    Ana

    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,…

  • Danxia Burns the Buddha

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    Ana

    Chan Master Danxia Tianran is a renowned monk in Tang dynasty. He was the founder of Danxia Temple on Mount Danxia in Nanzhao County, Henan.

  • The woman on his back (but not in his mind)

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    Ana

    Danxia Tianran was a famous Chan master in Tang Dynasty. Once he was traveling with a fellow practitioner. They encountered a muddy path after heavy rain, and the river had risen, making it difficult to pass.

  • The Foolish Question

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    Ana

    A man sought to attain the “Dao”, so he went to visit a Zen(Chan) master, asking to become his disciple. To test the man’s insight, the master asked: “Right now, I have something and yet have nothing. How do you explain this?”

  • [Journey to the West]Why does the White Bone Demon have Three Lives?

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    Juan

    In Journey to the West (Chapter 27: “The White Bone Demon’s Triple Transformation”), the White Bone Demon (also known as the Cadaver Demon, Lady White Bone or White Bone Lady) attempts to capture Tang Sanzang by transforming into three human forms: a young maiden, an elderly woman, and an old man. Each time, Sun…

  • Who are Sun Wukong’s parents?

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    Juan

    In Journey to the West, Sun Wukong (the Monkey King) has no biological parents. He is born from a magical stone nurtured by heaven and earth’s primordial energies on the Mount of Flowers and Fruits.

  • [Journey to the West]What does “Wukong” mean in Chinese?

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    Juan

    The Monkey King was named Wukong (悟空) by his first master. What does “Wukong” signify?

  • Dao De Jing – Chapter 67

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    Ana

    The Dao, due to its all-encompassing and formless nature, cannot be grasped through the perception of concrete forms. We learn to cultivate the Dao by emulating the sages.