禅Masters

Panshan Baoji

Yunmen

Panshan Baoji

Unknown – c. 814

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Panshan Baoji was a student of Mazu Daoyi who is known for the striking image he used to describe awakening: "The mind-moon is solitary and round; its light swallows the ten thousand forms. The light does not illuminate objects; the objects do not exist. Light and objects both forgotten—what is this?" This poetic teaching points to a level of awareness beyond the duality of subject and object.

Panshan's verse about the mind-moon became an important reference point in the Yunmen tradition, which valued the capacity to express profound insight through vivid, compressed imagery. His teaching suggests that true awareness is not a spotlight illuminating objects but a luminosity in which the distinction between seer and seen has dissolved completely.

Names

dharma · enPanshan Baoji
alias · enBanzan Hôshaku
alias · enP'an-shan Pao-chi

Teachers

Students

No linked student records yet.

Teachings

  • sayingThe Moon of the Mind

    (traditional attribution)

    Panshan said: "The moon of the mind is solitary and round; its light swallows the ten thousand forms. The light does not illuminate objects, nor do objects exist. Light and objects both forgotten—then what is this?"

    Attributed_to: Panshan Baoji

  • dialogueThe Three Realms Have No Dharma

    (traditional attribution)

    Panshan addressed the assembly: "The three realms have no dharma. Where will you seek the mind? The four elements are originally empty. Where does the Buddha dwell? The heavenly truth does not move, perfectly still. Approach and I will reveal it to you." A monk stepped forward and bowed. Panshan said, "Too late."

    Speaker: Panshan Baoji

Master Record Sources