Luohan Guichen

Luohan Guichen was a student of Xuansha Shibei and the teacher of Fayan Wenyi, the founder of the Fayan school. He taught at Dizang Temple in Zhangzhou, where his community became known for its emphasis on direct inquiry. His style was gentle but incisive, favoring questions that turned the student's mind back on itself.

In the famous exchange that prompted Fayan's awakening, Fayan was preparing to leave the monastery when Luohan asked him, "Where are you going?" Fayan said he was going on pilgrimage. Luohan asked, "What is the purpose of pilgrimage?" Fayan said, "I don't know." Luohan replied, "Not knowing is most intimate." This simple exchange cracked Fayan's confidence in the value of seeking and became one of the most celebrated teaching moments in Chan history. Through Fayan, Luohan's influence shaped an entire school.