This entry explains the dual‑toned Chinese idiom 暗中摸索(àn zhōng mō suǒ). It means groping forward without guidance, covering its origin, lesson and matching English equivalents.
Yunyan Tansheng (780–841) was a renowned Chan Buddhist master of the Tang Dynasty, known for his sharp wit and profound teachings. A disciple of Yaoshan Weiyan, he later became the teacher of Dongshan Liangjie, founder of the Caodong (Soto Zen) school. One of the most famous gongans (koans) associated with him is the dialogue…