Luopu Yuanan

Luopu Yuanan first studied with Jiashan Shanhui and then visited Linji Yixuan, making him one of the few Chan masters who deeply studied in both the Qingyuan and Linji lineages. His dialogue with Linji is notable: when Luopu presented his understanding, Linji struck him. Luopu struck back. Linji was pleased, recognizing a student who could meet force with force. But Luopu ultimately returned to the Jiashan line, carrying something of Linji's sharpness into the quieter Qingyuan stream.

Luopu's teaching reflected this dual inheritance. He could be gentle and probing in the manner of Jiashan, or abrupt and fierce in the manner of Linji. This breadth of method made him an effective teacher who could adapt to the needs of different students. His recorded exchanges show a master comfortable with both silence and the shout.