Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature
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…
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.
After becoming an ordained monk, Danxia traveled to Jiangxi to visit Master Mazu, thanking him for his earlier guidance.
Fachang, a disciple of the Chan master Mazu Daoyi and a renowned Tang dynasty monk, resided as abbot on Great Plum Mountain (Daimei Shan) in Yuyao, earning him the name “Great Plum Fachang.”
Dongshan Liangjie was a seminal Chinese Zen master of the Tang Dynasty. He established the Caodong lineage/school with his disciple Caoshan Benji, emphasizing silent illumination (默照禅) — a meditation practice integrating stillness and innate wisdom without forced effort.
During the Tang Dynasty, Chan Master Baizhang Huaihai was renowned for his strict adherence to monastic rules and his profound teachings.
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.
A fraudulent monk, lacking true enlightenment, called himself the “Master of Silence.” To hide his ignorance, he employed two eloquent attendants to answer questions on his behalf. To maintain an air of mystical profundity, he himself never spoke a word.
There was a monastery overseen by two brothers. The elder brother was highly learned, while the younger brother was simple-minded and had only one eye.