Yunmen  Temple

Shaoguan, Guangdong, China

This beautiful Zen mountain retreat
and temple is being extensively
renovated.  Here shown next to its rice
paddy surroundings.
Yunmen Si


    Xuansha complained to his followers one day:

    "Other masters are always carrying on about the necessity of
    saving everyone – but suppose you meet up with someone who
    is deaf, dumb and blind: he couldn't see your gestures, hear
    your preaching, or, for that matter, ask questions. Unable to
    save him, you'd prove yourself a worthless Buddhist."

    Troubled by these words, one of Xuansha's disciples went to
    consult the master Yunmen who, like Xuansha was a disciple of
    Xuefeng.

    "Bow please," said Yunmen

    The monk, though taken by surprise, obeyed the master's
    command – then straightened up in expectation of having his
    question answered.
    But instead of an answer, he got a staff thrust at him. He leapt
    back.

    "Well," said Yunmen, "you're not blind. Now approach."

    The monk did as he was told.

    "Good," said Yunmen, "you're not deaf either. Well,
    understand?"
    "Understand what, sir?" said the monk.

    "Ah, you're not dumb either," said Yunmen.

    On hearing these words the monk awoke as from a deep sleep.

    Xuansha Shibei,
    (Gensho Shibi, Jap.)
    (835-908):  a fellow
    disciple of Yunmen--
    both studying under the
    master Xuefeng
    (Seppo, Jap.)

    Yunmen Wenyan,
    (Ummon Bunen, Jap.)
    (864-949): lived and
    taught at this Zen
    temple, Yunmen Si.
    His Zen master was also
    Xuefeng.
Yunmen
Maps of
Yunmen Zen
Temple
location.
Click on this thumbnail photo to start
the slide-show of all the photos on this
page.
        oshobob  The Living Workshop                                         
                                             Zen Temples in China