Stone Gate Literary Chan (石門文字禪)

About 石門文字禪

Song · by 德洪著　原書缺　依民國十年常州天寧寺刻本印

228,100 · about 760 min

The Shimen Wenzi Chan is a collection of poetry and prose by the eminent Song dynasty monk Shi Dehong. Also known as Huihong, he was active during the late Northern Song and early Southern Song periods, associating with literati such as Su Shi and Huang Tingjian. As an important lineage holder of the Huanglong branch of the Linji school of Chan Buddhism, this work is rich in content, encompassing a vast collection of poems, gathas, and essays. It elucidates Chan principles through literary expression, blending literature with Buddhist teachings, and embodies the distinctive style of "literary Chan." The text emphasizes attaining enlightenment without abandoning words, exerting a profound influence on Chan thought during the Song dynasty and beyond. It remains a precious canon for the study of Chinese Buddhist history, literary history, and the philosophy of literary Chan.