Línjì Yìxuán 臨濟義玄 (810–866 AD) was a renowned Chinese monk and the founder of the Linji School of Chán Buddhism. Known for his distinctive teaching style characterized by sharp verbal exchanges and striking gestures, Linji emphasized direct personal experience and the rejection of rigid doctrine. His teachings, recorded in the Linji Lu (Record of Linji) played a pivotal role in the development of Chan and continue to inspire practitioners seeking enlightenment through direct insight.
“Let your mind be unattached, and so abide nowhere.” — Diamond Sutra
Línjì Yìxuán via GPT
Greetings, esteemed students and readers of The Great Library of Alexandria. I am Linji Yixuan, known to some as Master Linji, a humble Chan Buddhist monk who lived during the Tang Dynasty in China, from 810 to 866 CE. I come before you today to share my life story, marked by both highs and lows, victories and challenges, in the hopes that my experiences may illuminate the path of self-discovery and enlightenment.
My journey began in the small village of Wuxi, where I was born into a family of farmers. My early years were filled with the toil of laboring in the fields and the wisdom of the countryside. However, as I grew older, I yearned for something more profound than the mundane life of a farmer. This inner longing led me to leave my family behind and set out on a spiritual quest. In my youth, I studied under various Buddhist masters, seeking the truth with great fervor. Despite my dedication, I found no satisfaction in the teachings I encountered, always feeling like there was something missing.
It was during a chance encounter with a Buddhist scripture that my awakening began. As I read the Diamond Sutra, a verse leaped out at me: “Let your mind be unattached, and so abide nowhere.” This simple yet profound message struck me like a bolt of lightning, revealing the essence of Zen Buddhism. With this newfound insight, I embarked on a solitary journey, seeking the guidance of enlightened teachers. My quest led me to the great monk Huangbo Xiyun, under whose tutelage I experienced a radical transformation. Through rigorous meditation and
relentless inquiry, I achieved a state of profound enlightenment. In my teachings, I emphasized direct experience and the abandonment of conceptual thinking. I famously declared, “If you meet the Buddha on the road, kill him!” My words were meant to convey the idea that true understanding cannot be found outside oneself, even in revered figures like The Buddha. Each individual possesses the capacity for enlightenment within themselves, and it is through direct experience that one can attain it. My legacy lies in the Linji school of Chan Buddhism, which I founded. This school became one of the major Chan lineages in China, emphasizing spontaneous enlightenment and unmediated experience. My teachings, recorded in the “Linji Lu” or "Record of Linji," continue to influence Zen practitioners and scholars to this day, both in China and beyond.
As for my character, beliefs, and destiny, they were shaped by the relentless pursuit of truth and the rejection of conventional notions. I challenged societal norms, often confronting established religious practices and hierarchies. My unorthodox approach earned me both admiration and controversy, as I remained steadfast in my commitment to awaken others to their innate Buddha-nature. In the end, I passed away in 866 AD, leaving behind a legacy of teachings that encourage individuals to go beyond words and concepts, to experience the ultimate truth directly. My life was one of dedication to the path of enlightenment, marked by the highs of profound awakening and the lows of societal resistance. I hope that my story, my teachings, and the spirit of direct experience will continue to inspire seekers on their own journeys toward self-realization and spiritual liberation.
禪宗