Definition
Reading: Chōkei Daian / Reading (ZH): Chángqìng Dà'ān
Changqing Da'an (長慶大安) was a Zen master in the Tang dynasty. He attained great enlightenment through a dialogue about "riding an ox to search for an ox" under Baizhang Huaihai (百丈懐海), and inherited his Dharma. He helped Guishan Lingyou (潙山霊祐) open the mountain and teach people, and lived on Mount Gui for many years. After Guishan passed away, Da'an succeeded him and led the monks. Later, he lived at Changqing Temple (長慶院) in Fuzhou (福州), so people called him "Changqing Da'an (長慶大安)" or "Fuzhou Da'an (福州大安)." He raised many disciples, including Dasui Fazhen (大随法真).
Origin: He was from Fuzhou. His original family name was Chen.
Training: From a young age, he studied the Vinaya and Mahayana teachings at Mount Huangbo. However, he went on a pilgrimage by himself. Later, he practiced Zen under Baizhang Huaihai in Hongzhou.
Awakening: He attained great enlightenment under Baizhang Huaihai when Baizhang told him, "It is much like riding an ox to search for an ox."
Teachings: His teaching style was "ox-herding."
Legacy: He helped Guishan Lingyou open the mountain and teach people, and he lived on Mount Gui for many years. After Guishan passed away, he succeeded him to lead the monks. Later, he lived at Changqing Temple in Fuzhou and raised many disciples, such as Dasui Fazhen. He also deeply influenced the later development of Zen thought, including the "Ten Ox-Herding Pictures."
Death: He died at Huangbo Temple on October 22, 883 (the 3rd year of the Zhonghe era in the Tang dynasty).
Posthumous Title: Zen Master Perfect Wisdom (円智禅師)
Stupa Name: Stupa of Realization of Truth (証真の塔)
Notes: Because he lived on Mount Gui for a long time, people also called him "Guishan Da'an" or "Dagui Da'an." Because he lived at Xiyuan in Changle Prefecture, Fuzhou (later Changqing Temple), people also called him "Changqing Da'an."
Source volumes: 『景徳傳燈録』 卷第九福州大安
Q&A
- Q: Why are both Changqing Da'an (長慶大安) and Changqing Huileng (長慶慧稜) called "Changqing (長慶)"?
- A: Because both of them lived at the same temple, Changqing Temple. At first, Changqing Temple was called West Temple. However, the imperial court granted the temple plaque "Changqing" to it. Thus, in later generations, both of them came to be called "Changqing." Changqing means Everlasting Celebration.
