Definition
Reading: Hogen-shu / Reading (ZH): Fǎyǎn zōng
法眼宗 (Fayan school) is a school of Zen Buddhism. Its founder is 法眼文益 (Fayan Wenyì). It is one of 五家七宗 (the Goke Shichishu, the Five Houses and Seven Schools). The lineage of this school is 雪峰義存 (Xuefeng Yicun)ー玄沙師備 (Xuansha Shibei)ー地蔵桂琛 (Dizang Guichen)ー法眼文益 (Fayan Wenyì). 雲門文偃 (Yunmen Wenyan) is a Dharma heir of Xuefeng, and he founded 雲門宗 (Yunmen school). However, Shibei and Fayan inherited the careful teaching style of Xuefeng. Fayan did not use strict or severe methods like 臨済義玄 (Linji Yixuan) or 徳山宣鑑 (Deshan Xuanjian). Instead, he used simple words and a calm teaching method.
Q&A
- Q: Why did different schools come from the lineage of 雪峰義存 (Xuefeng Yicun)?
- A: Because his disciples developed his teachings through their own unique personalities and different approaches, and they founded their own schools in later years.
