| Deng Yinfeng |
| born: c. 740 died: c. 810 place: China |
| Chan master: Mazu (J. Baso) Chan disciples: |
| stories: Transmission of the Lamp, Case 126 Osho Returning to the Source: talks on Zen, ch. 10 |
| oshobob The Living Workshop |
| Zen Masters |
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| When Teng Yin Feng was about to die he said to the people around him, “I have seen monks die sitting and lying, but have any died standing?” “Yes, some,” they replied. “How about upside down?” asked Teng. “No, never such a thing,” they said. So Teng died standing on his head and his clothes also rose up, close to his body. It was decided to carry him to the burning ground, but he still stood there without moving. People from far and near gazed with astonishment at the scene. His younger sister, a nun, happened to be there. She grumbled at him, “When you were alive you took no notice of laws and customs; and even now you’re dead you’re making a nuisance of yourself.” She then prodded her brother with her finger, and he fell down with a bang. Then they went off to the crematorium. Both of them knew that there is no death. It is said that when the brother fell down with a bang, the sister just went back to her monastery. If you take life easily, if you enjoy life, if your life by and by becomes a fulfillment, the same will be your death. What are we doing? We are not enjoying life, we are only preparing to enjoy it – and life is here and now... --Osho Returning to the Source, ch. 10 |
Deng (surname) Conceal Mountain
aka: Teng Yin Feng (old W.G.)
Deng Yinfeng not only is known for the story related
on this page, but also as the disciple who met his
master Mazu on the road with his legs spread out in
the roadway. When Mazu refused to move his legs,
Deng Yinfeng rolled the cart over the master's legs,
injuring them. Later that night, at the meeting hall,
Mazu called the monk up front, picked up an axe, and
when Yinfeng put his neck out for his expected
punishment, master Mazu quietly put the axe down. A
famous Zen story.
Deng Yinfeng not only is known for the story related
on this page, but also as the disciple who met his
master Mazu on the road with his legs spread out in
the roadway. When Mazu refused to move his legs,
Deng Yinfeng rolled the cart over the master's legs,
injuring them. Later that night, at the meeting hall,
Mazu called the monk up front, picked up an axe, and
when Yinfeng put his neck out for his expected
punishment, master Mazu quietly put the axe down. A
famous Zen story.
Chinese simplified: 邓隐峰