Song · by 元敬．元復同述
8,522 · about 28 min
A Brief Account of Eminent Monks of West Lake in Wulin Compiled jointly by the Yuan dynasty monks Yuanjing and Yuanfu, this work records the cultivation deeds of eminent monks in the Hangzhou West Lake region during the Song dynasty. Completed in the Yuan dynasty, it aims to document the lives, virtues, and Dharma propagation journeys of great Buddhist masters around West Lake during the Song period, reflecting the spread and development of Chan Buddhism and other schools in the Jiangnan region at that time. Written in a concise style, it recounts the anecdotes of numerous monks in their quest for the Dharma, awakening, and teaching activities, showcasing the practical features and regional characteristics of Song dynasty Buddhism. As an important document for the study of Song dynasty Buddhist history and the local religious culture of Hangzhou, this work provides valuable biographical materials for later generations and holds significant reference value for understanding the history of Chan communities in Jiangnan and the exemplary models of eminent monks.