Guizong Zhichang
Guizong Zhichang
Dates uncertain
Guizong Zhichang is recorded in the historiography of the medieval / early-modern Japanese Sōtō branch-temple network as a transmission figure in its lineage. The surviving record preserves his place in the line; little distinctive doctrinal material from his teaching is preserved in modern scholarship[1].
Names
Disciples of Guizong Zhichang
Teachers and lineage of Guizong Zhichang
Teacher / root master:
Teachings
- dialogueThe Forest of Brambles
A monk asked Guizong, "What is Buddha?" Guizong said, "I will tell you, but I am afraid you won't believe it." The monk said, "How could I not believe the teacher's sincere words?" Guizong said, "You—you yourself are it." The monk said, "How can I preserve it?" Guizong said, "When your eye has the slightest fault, flowers fall from the sky." Xuedou later commented: "A forest of brambles—and yet right through it is the ancient road."
- dialogueGuizong Kills a Snake
Guizong was hoeing in the garden when he killed a snake with his hoe. A monk who was watching was horrified and said, "Master, you preach compassion and yet you kill living beings." Guizong held up the hoe and said, "Speak—did I kill it or not?" The monk had no reply. Guizong said: "The compassion that avoids all contact with the world is not the compassion of the Buddhas. The compassion of the Buddhas does not flinch from contact."
Other masters in Nanyue line
Master Record Sources
Guizong Zhichang
Caodong
- koan_refsChart of the Chan Ancestors
69
- nameZen Editorial Overlay - Originals Curation
Guizong Zhichang
- teachersZen Editorial Overlay - Originals Curation
Mazu Daoyi