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.

Huineng's "Refuge Rock"

(This article was published in the Shenzhen Daily on August 15, 2016.)

Marks in the niche in "Refuge Rock" said to be made by Huineng's robe

Including some areas to its north and south, Shaoguan in Guangdong is "Huineng Country." The Sixth Patriarch was born and died south of Zhaoqing, and was ordained at the Fifth Patriarch's temple in Huangmei County, Hubei. Shaoguan lies between the two.

What is "Zen"? (Part II)

(This article was published in the Shenzhen Daily on September 12, 2016.)

Summer flowers at Jinge Temple, Mt. Wutai,
remind us of the impermanence of things.

Last time we talked a little about Bodhidharma, first patriarch of Chan (Zen) in China, and 28th from the beginnings in India. And we mentioned that that tradition began in India with Mahakashyapa.

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.

Huineng and the Poetry Competition

(This article was published in the Shenzhen Daily on April 17, 2017.)

The grand new gateway to the ancient Wuzu Temple, Huangmei, Hubei

Huineng, the Sixth Patriarch, was born, taught, and died within a relatively short distance of Guangzhou. In fact, only one major event of his life took place outside of Guangdong Province, and that was in the remote Huangmei Mountains of Hubei.

Huineng Gets Ordained

(This article was published in the Shenzhen Daily on April 24, 2017.)

The grounds of Guangxiao Temple are festooned with flags to memorialize Huineng's famous utterance.

Last time we talked about how Huineng won a poetry contest and became the Sixth Patriarch.