shitou xiqian

  • The shout that snapped the staff

    Zen Master Lingmo, a prominent Tang Dynasty master, first studied under Mazu Daoyi in Jiangxi without awakening. Later, at Mount Heng, he encountered Master Shitou Xiqian.

  • Lacked nothing before Caoxi

    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” —…

  • The unspoken Hundred Flavors

    Master Yaoshan Weiyan (751–834 CE) was a prominent Chan (Zen) master during the Tang Dynasty. Born in Guizhou Province, Weiyan became a monk at an early age and studied under several masters before ultimately becoming a disciple of Master Shitou Xiqian. He founded Yaoshan Temple, from which he got his name, in Hunan (now…

  • No wisdom beyond clouds and water

    Chan Master Yaoshan Weiyan (751–834), also known as Weiyan, was a significant Chinese Chan (Zen) master during the Tang Dynasty. He is disciple of Shitou Xiqian, one of the key figures in the evolution of Chan. Master Weiyan’s monastic life was spent primarily at Yaoshan (Medicine Mountain), where he taught numerous students who went…