Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature
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Introduction: This article recounts the catastrophic War of the Eight Princes. Empress Jia framed and killed Crown Prince Sima Yu, triggering a power struggle. Sima Lun seized the throne, sparking years of civil war that devastated Western Jin. The bloody infighting weakened China, opening the door to foreign invasions and long-term division.
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Huangbo Xiyun was an influential Chinese Chan Buddhist master from Fujian province, renowned for his role in developing the “sudden enlightenment” approach and mentoring Linji Yixuan (founder of the Linji/Rinzai school). As a disciple of Baizhang Huaihai, he became famous for his uncompromising teaching style — using shouts, strikes, and paradoxical dialogues to awaken…