Tang Dynasty
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Zhaozhou Congshen
Caozhou, Tang Dynasty
Archival Overview
Iconic Chinese Chan master famous for his eighty years of traveling, profound paradoxical brevity, and the ultimate koan 'Mu' (Does a dog have Buddha-nature?).
Biographical Record
Zhaozhou Congshen (778–897 CE) was the direct disciple of Nanquan Puyuan, wandering on foot until age eighty before settling at the Guanyin Temple in Zhaozhou.
Revered for answering profound metaphysical inquiries with everyday words ('Go wash your bowl' or 'Have a cup of tea'), his single word 'Wu' ('Mu') became the supreme gate of Zen training.
Key Life Milestones
Abbot of the Cypress Grove at Age 80
Settled at Bailin Temple after forty years of pilgrimage, teaching masters through crystalline paradoxical dialogue.
The Koan of Joshu's Dog (Mu)
Uttered his immortal response 'Wu' (Mu) to a monk's query on Buddha-nature, forming the first case of the Wumenguan.
Memorial Guestbook & Tributes
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Final Resting Place
Perpetual MemorialZhaoxian (Hebei), China