Five Schools Record (Preface) (五家語錄（序）)

About 五家語錄（序）

Ming · by 圓信．郭凝之 編集

2,203 · about 7 min

The Five Schools Recorded Sayings, compiled jointly by the Ming Dynasty Chan Master Yuanxin and Guo Ningzhi, is an important collection of Chan Buddhist literature. This work brings together the recorded sayings of the founding masters of the Linji, Caodong, Guiyang, Yunmen, and Fayan schools, including the sharp dialogues, instructional koans, and essential teachings of eminent Chan monks from the Tang and Song dynasties. Compiled against the backdrop of the late Ming revival of Chan Buddhism, its purpose was to organize and preserve the core teachings of the tradition, preventing the loss of the Dharma lineage. As a key text for studying the doctrines and transmission of the various Chan schools, it systematically presents the distinct styles and the essence of the Chan methods of the five schools. It has had a profound influence on the later development of Chan studies and remains one of the authoritative works for understanding the intellectual lineage of Chinese Chan Buddhism.