Definition
Reading: Daizui Hōshin / Reading (ZH): Dàsuí Fǎzhēn
Dazui Fazhen (大随法真) was a Zen monk from the late Tang Dynasty to the Five Dynasties period. He studied under Changqing Da'an and inherited the Dharma. He lived on Mount Dazui in Yizhou. He was known for his sharp Zen spirit that went beyond the secular world, as shown in the dialogue of "劫火洞然" (The Great Kalpa Fire Blazes). He promoted "随他去" (following things as they are), which means leaving all attachments and following things naturally.
Training: He traveled to many places and studied Zen under masters such as Guishan Lingyou (潙山霊祐) and Changqing Da'an (長慶大安).
Awakening: He received the Mind Seal (心印, Dharma) under Changqing Da'an and achieved deep awakening.
Teachings: 随他去 (Following things as they are). It is a state of mind that breaks even the attachment to something eternal and immortal.
Source volumes: 『景徳傳燈録』 卷第十一
Q&A
- Q: Why did Dazui Fazhen pretend that his mouth was paralyzed and make people around him bring medicine?
- A: Because he wanted to warn people against the foolishness of relying on words and doctrines. One day, he suddenly pretended that his mouth was crooked and asked, "Is there anyone who can cure my mouth?" Monks and other people brought him medicine for seven days. Then he slapped his mouth to return it to normal and said, "I have moved these two pieces of skin (lips) and spoken words for a long time, but no one could cure my mouth (preaching)."
