Recorded Sayings of Chan Master Poshan (破山禪師語錄)

Preface

I once heard the ancients say: "Under Master Mazu were eighty-four fully enlightened masters, but only a few truly grasped the essence of the Dharma; the rest were merely teachers of guidance." I had my doubts about this, thinking that all of Mazu's disciples were like refined gold in a great furnace—how could there be distinctions among them? Moreover, carrying the great Dharma is no easy task. If one can use what they have realized to guide later students, then the Buddha and Patriarchs' wisdom-life can continue. What more could one seek?

Thus, one came to realize that the Fifth Patriarch of Huangmei had already established a Northern School of Buddhism. Although the initial difference was minute, it could lead to an error of a thousand miles. That is why it is said: "Only when one's wisdom surpasses the teacher's is one fit to receive the transmission." But when it comes to the teachings embodying emptiness, reflecting like water, or imprinting like clay, they are not the same.

Thus, the reviver of the Linji lineage at Tiantong, Chan Master Poshan of Shuanggui, is truly the Baizhang and Guizong of our time. His entry into enlightenment was decisive, untouched by any trace of clinging or finesse. Moreover, he was fortunate to receive guidance from Elder Mi, who engaged in a mutual investigation with him, much like Huangbo’s exchanges with the master of Hutu. Together, they fully upheld the true principle, leaving not even the slightest opening for escape.

It is only fitting that he began his teaching at Dongta Temple in Jiaxing, then later returned to his native Shu, where he presided over the Dharma seat for fourteen years. For thirty-seven years in total, he wielded the sharp sword of wisdom—brandishing it upside down and sideways; whether coughing, spitting, moving his arm, or raising his hand, every gesture was an expression of the ultimate truth. His teaching was like the poison drum: anyone who caught a whiff of its energy would lose both body and life. Even powerful nobles and high officials bowed their heads in submission. How could anyone measure the reach of his guidance through intellectual understanding alone?

Now his recorded sayings remain intact. They are meant to make people of future generations—whenever they encounter or collide with them—completely cut off the root of life and death. This influence is far from limited to a single era.

In 2017, Master Zui of Zhaojue Temple came to Jiaxing and published a twelve-volume collection of his teacher's teachings. At that time, the venerable master was still alive. After another ten years, he passed into Nirvana, and by then the first edition was incomplete. Now, Master Zheng of Yuquan Temple has gathered the complete works, preparing them for publication and inclusion in the Buddhist canon. He has asked Master Bosi to write a preface for this project.

Years ago, when I lived in Fucheng and was still young, I heard a group of monks say, "This venerable master's teachings surpass all ordinary ones." Yet I was tied down by worldly matters and never had the chance to receive a single lesson. Now, old and ignorant, how could I presume to write a preface? But the Dongta Temple in my hometown was the first place where the venerable master expounded the Dharma. In those days, the pure and learned Master Qingbai, who studied closely under him, would often tell me a word or phrase from his teachings. Just hearing them made my mouth water, as if tasting a plum. Though I may be dull and slow-witted, I truly believed in them deeply.

Though neither of us has traveled thousands of miles, we have worked together with the ancients and moderns to understand the Master’s koans. Even if I cannot express even a ten-thousandth of it, how could I remain silent? It is like shaking a staff to strike the moon—what, after all, is impossible?

In the 19th year of the Kangxi era, on the Buddha's birthday, the Daoist master from Zuili, Shi Bo, humbly composed this text with reverence.