Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature
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Chan Master Xingsi ordained in childhood and later sought the Sixth Patriarch Huineng at Caoxi, becoming his foremost disciple. Shitou Xiqian arrived at Caoxi in Huineng’s final years. As the Patriarch prepared to enter nirvana, Xiqian pleaded: “To whom shall I turn after your passing?” Huineng’s dying guidance cut like lightning: “Seek Si” —…
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Yunmen Wenyan (864–949 CE) was one of the most influential Chan (Zen) Buddhist masters during the Five Dynasties period in China. Known for his sharp wit and profound teachings, Yunmen played a pivotal role in shaping the development of Chinese Chan Buddhism, particularly through founding the Yunmen School, which became one of the “Five…
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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.