Chan Master Dazhu Huihai, a prominent Tang Dynasty monk, was ordained under Master Daozhi at Dayun Temple in Yuezhou. After reading Huihai’s writing (The Essential Gateway to Truth by Sudden Awakening), Master Mazu Daoyi praised him as “Great Pearl” — a Buddhist symbol of awakening and wisdom — hence later generations also referred to him as “Great Pearl Monk” or “Dazhu Huihai.”
(more…)Tag: self-realization
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The three unavoidable tasks
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.
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The River of Life
Once, the Buddha was traveling through a forest on a scorching day. Thirsty, he said to his attendant Ānanda: “We crossed a small stream earlier. Return and fetch me water.”
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The Foolish Question
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?”
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