Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature
Dongshan Liangjie was a seminal Chinese Zen master of the Tang Dynasty. He established the Caodong lineage/school with his disciple Caoshan Benji, emphasizing silent illumination (默照禅) — a meditation practice integrating stillness and innate wisdom without forced effort.
The Five Elements (Wu Xing) in Chinese culture are a framework for classifying and explaining the interactions and relationships between all phenomena. These elements—Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth—each possess distinct characteristics and correspond to various natural and human aspects, including directions, seasons, colors, organs, flavors, and emotions.