Damei Fachang

Damei Fachang was a student of Mazu Daoyi who is famous for the teaching "The mind is the Buddha." When Damei asked Mazu what the Buddha is, Mazu replied, "The mind is the Buddha." At these words, Damei was deeply awakened. He withdrew to Mount Damei (Great Plum) and lived as a hermit for many years, practicing in complete solitude.

When Mazu later heard that Damei was still teaching "The mind is the Buddha," he sent a monk to test him, saying, "Mazu's teaching has changed recently—now he says, 'Neither mind nor Buddha.'" Damei replied, "Let him say what he likes. For me, the mind is the Buddha." When Mazu heard this response, he approved, saying, "The plum is ripe." This story illustrates the Chan principle that authentic realization does not depend on the teacher's later formulations—once the student has broken through, their understanding is their own.