‌Who Am I?

Master Linji Yixuan was a great Chan (Zen) master of the Tang Dynasty and founder of the Linji school,. He is celebrated for his dynamic and direct teaching style, often using shouts, strikes, and paradoxical statements to awaken students from deluded thinking. His core teaching emphasized that everyone possesses Buddha-nature and can realize enlightenment here and now by seeing into their own true nature.

During a sermon by Chan Master Linji, a man in the crowd called out, “Answer me just one question: Who am I?”

Master Linji stopped speaking. Everyone watched intently, wondering how he would respond. Instead of answering from his seat, he stepped down and approached the man. The crowd held their breath — why would he leave his chair? The man grew fearful as Linji drew near.

Seizing the man’s collar, Linji shook him sharply and commanded:
‌”Close your eyes! Go inward — look for the one asking ‘Who am I?’”‌

Trembling, the man closed his eyes and turned within. He never returned.

The crowd waited and waited. The man’s face grew serene, his breath still. Linji shook him again: ‌”Now come out and tell everyone who you are!”‌

The man laughed mysteriously and said:
‌”What a wondrous answer! But if asked now, I’d do the same — I cannot answer.”‌

‌Philosophical Notes‌

Beyond Intellectual Answers

The question “Who am I?” cannot be solved intellectually — it dissolves through direct experience.
Words trap truth; silence reveals it.

The Ego’s Illusion

Linji’s shaking shatters the seeker’s mental constructs.
The moment of “not returning” signifies ego dissolution.

Paradox as Liberation

The laughter embodies satori: Understanding that the answer is the inability to answer.
Like a mirror reflecting emptiness — no “self” remains to claim identity.

Zen Pedagogy

Linji’s roar and shake embody huatou practice: using shock to break thought chains.