禅Masters

Chuanzi Decheng

Qingyuan line

Chuanzi Decheng

Unknown – c. 867

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Chuanzi Decheng, the "Boat Monk," was a student of Yaoshan Weiyan who, after awakening, chose to spend his life as a simple ferryman on the Huating River rather than establishing a monastery or gathering students. He is one of the most beloved figures in Chan literature, representing the ideal of the hidden sage who conceals his light in the ordinary world.

Chuanzi had only one dharma heir: Jiashan Shanhui, whom Daowu Yuanzhi sent to him. When Jiashan arrived at the riverbank, Chuanzi tested him with a series of searching questions, then capsized the boat, plunging Jiashan into the water. When Jiashan climbed back in, Chuanzi struck him and said, "Speak! Speak!" Jiashan began to answer, and Chuanzi hit him again. At this, Jiashan's understanding opened. After transmitting the Dharma to Jiashan, Chuanzi capsized his own boat and disappeared into the river, never to be seen again.

Names

dharma · enChuanzi Decheng
honorific · enThe Boatmonk
alias · enCh'uan-tzü Tê-ch'êng
alias · enSensu Tokujô

Teachers

Students

Teachings

  • dialogueThe Boat Monk's Transmission

    (traditional attribution)

    Jiashan came to the river crossing and met the Boat Monk. The Boat Monk asked, "In what temple do you stay?" Jiashan said, "I don't stay in a temple. Where I stay is not like anything." The Boat Monk said, "Not like anything—like what?" Jiashan said, "It is not the Dharma before your eyes." The Boat Monk said, "Where did you learn this?" Jiashan said, "Neither ears nor eyes can reach it." The Boat Monk said, "A single phrase and you go on and on. From now on, just shut your mouth. Quick, get out!" And he capsized the boat. Jiashan fell into the water. When he scrambled back aboard, the Boat Monk shouted, "Speak! Speak!" As Jiashan was about to open his mouth, the Boat Monk struck him. At this, Jiashan was greatly awakened.

    Speaker: Chuanzi Decheng, Respondent: Jiashan Shanhui

Master Record Sources