Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature
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Chan Master Xuelang Hong’en （1548 – 1608CE）was a notable Chinese Chan (Zen) master whose teachings contributed significantly to the development and spread of Chan Buddhism in China. He used the vivid metaphors “a monkey in a six-windowed room” to illustrate the interplay between perception and intrinsic Buddha-nature and inspired chan master Yangshan Huiji.
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Yangshan Huiji was a renowned Tang Dynasty Zen master and co-founder of the Weiyang school, one of the Five Houses of Zen. A principal disciple of Weishan Lingyou, he was celebrated for his poetic Zen dialogues and “circular symbols” — abstract drawings used to provoke awakening.