Tang Dynasty
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Huineng
Xinzhou (Guangdong), Tang Dynasty
Archival Overview
Illiterate firewood seller who became the historic Sixth Patriarch of Chan (Zen) Buddhism, founder of the Southern School of Sudden Enlightenment, whose teachings are preserved in the sacred 'Platform Sutra'.
Biographical Record
Huineng (638–713) was an uneducated youth from southern China who experienced spontaneous enlightenment upon hearing a monk recite the Diamond Sutra. Traveling to Yellow Plum Mountain to study under Fifth Patriarch Hongren, Huineng worked pounding rice in the monastery kitchen.
When Hongren asked disciples to write a verse revealing their understanding, head monk Shenxiu wrote: 'The body is the bodhi tree, the mind is like a mirror.' Huineng famously answered: 'Bodhi originally has no tree, nor is the mirror bright. Since fundamentally not a single thing exists, where can dust alight?' Hongren secretly transmitted the patriarchal robe and bowl to Huineng.
Key Life Milestones
Inauguration at Nanhua Temple
Began thirty-six years of public teaching at Baolin (Nanhua) Monastery in Caoxi, Guangdong.
Composition of the Platform Sutra
His oral sermons on sudden awakening were recorded as the 'Platform Sutra of the Sixth Patriarch'.
Memorial Guestbook & Tributes
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Final Resting Place
Perpetual MemorialShaoguan (Guangdong), China