Master Yinyuan of Huangbo: Chan Master Yinyuan's Sayings

People of exceptional quality bring honor to a land, just as a land’s spiritual energy enhances its people. The two are intertwined; they give meaning to each other. Only when people recognize what is truly valuable do the conditions for connection arise, and only then does the right moment reveal itself. What a crucial moment this is!

How long did we wait, with eager anticipation and on tiptoe, in a place of near silence and cold ashes? How many years passed? Then, suddenly, that person arose and seized the moment. Could this have been mere coincidence?

When I read the recorded sayings of Master Huangbo Yinduan [the "Hidden Great Master"], I realized how rare it is for a person, a place, and a time to align perfectly. Before Master Duanji [Yinduan's teacher], there was already a place called Huangbo, but its name was not well-known. Master Duanji made the name Huangbo famous, and then used that name for the monastery where he lived. Thus, one "Huangbo" manifested as many, and he began to teach publicly, though not yet at the foot of Crimson Signal Peak.

In the following centuries, while there were many who achieved fame and substance after him, those who continued Duanji’s true lineage were few. Then, over a thousand years later, the Venerable Elder of Tiantong and Master Fei, father and son, arrived in succession. They revived Duanji's tradition, allowing it to flourish widely. The Hidden Great Master continued this work, rebuilding the temple halls, attracting monastics and laypeople alike from across the land. He carried on the legacy of his spiritual ancestors, bringing renewed glory to the lineage of Duanji, right here at the foot of Crimson Signal Peak.

The mountain spirits, tree gods, and all spiritual beings, along with the eight types of celestial guardians, had yearned for this for a very long time. Only now has this wonderful day arrived.

Is it the place? Is it the person? Is it the timing? If even one of these three is missing, even a wonderful place would not be special. The conditions came together today, but did their coming together actually begin today?

These recorded sayings are now here. Their main purpose is to sweep away intellectual understanding and directly point to the fundamental source. They are like a sword sharp enough to split a hair blown against it, or a furnace that instantly melts snow. Yet, at the same time, each line and its meaning are perfectly complete, like a Mani jewel that naturally reflects all colors. Unless one has firmly sealed the gate of transcendence, made the path smooth and even, stands atop the heads of the Buddhas and Patriarchs, and completely masters the inner workings of a Zen monk, how could one produce words that illuminate the heavens and mirror the earth, so lively and free in every direction?

Alas! Duanji had the Great Peak as his spiritual father and the Hutuo River as his spiritual son. Thus, he was able to turn the whole universe upside down, and his influence has only grown over time. Now our great master, with his dharma father, son, and spiritual grandson, rival the brilliance of their ancient predecessors. And at the same time, they all teach and transform people, their insight flowing seamlessly between them. We don't need to start searching again to understand that, even after "mixing everything up," they haven't lost the essential flavor. Is this not a rarity, not just for one time or one place?

Looking through history, how often has such a flourishing age occurred? Root systems that are deep and far-reaching are rare. With this recorded sayings, I saw it firsthand.

Composed by Tang Shiji of Jinchang, in the midsummer of the year Renwu during the Chongzhen reign.