慧能大师

Huineng, a monk of Zen Buddhism in Tang Dynasty, was honored as the sixth ancestor of Zen Buddhism. He put forward the practice concept of "enlightenment to become a Buddha", emphasizing that "the heart is a Buddha" and that everyone has Buddha nature, and the realm of becoming a Buddha can be achieved only through inner consciousness. Huineng's Zen thought is in sharp contrast with the gradual enlightenment practice method advocated by the Shenxiu Zen master in the north, and gradually formed two schools of Zen, the southern Sect and the northern Sect. Huineng's Zen thought, with its conciseness and directness, has exerted a wide and far-reaching influence in China and even East Asia.

 

These stories are not only an important part of the origin and development of Buddhism in China, but also show the cultural blending and innovation of Buddhism in the process of spreading in China. They let us know the history of Buddhism, but also feel the profound influence of Buddhism on China culture.