The Patriarchs' Hall

(This article was published in the Shenzhen Daily on July 11, 2016.)

Inside the Patriarchs' Hall at Linji Temple, Zhengding, Hebei

Many temples will have a "Patriarch's Hall," recognizing the temple's forebears.

What is "Zen"? (Part I)

(This article was published in the Shenzhen Daily on September 5, 2016.)

The character for "Chan" on a wall at Wolong Temple, Xi'an

At many temples in China, there is a special hall set aside for meditation. In Chinese, the practice is referred to as "Chan."

Jubo and Xiqing Arhats

(This article was published in the Shenzhen Daily on November 21, 2016.)

Jubo Arhat at Huayan Temple, Datong, Shanxi Province

The next two Arhats in our survey of the famous eighteen are Jubo and Xiqing, the "Bowl Raising" and "Festive" Arhats.

Guojiang and Wa'er Arhats

(This article was published in the Shenzhen Daily on November 28, 2016.)

Wa'er Arhat at Huayan Temple, Datong, Shanxi Province

Today's two Arhats are Guojiang, the "Arhat Who Crossed the River," and Wa'er, the "Ear-Cleaning Arhat."

Bodhidharma, First Chan Patriarch

(This article was published in the Shenzhen Daily on May 29, 2017.)

A statue of Bodhidharma at Hualin Temple,
Guangzhou, where he first stayed in China

Few figures in Chinese Buddhism have captivated the popular imagination like Bodhidharma, said to be the First Patriarch of Chan (Zen) in China, but the 28th in direct descent from the Buddha and his immediate disciple, Mahakashyapa, back in India.