Definition
Reading: Hyakujō Ekai / Reading (ZH): Bǎizhàng Huàihǎi
百丈懐海 (Baizhang Huaihai) is a Chinese Zen monk of the Tang Dynasty. As a disciple of Mazu Daoyi in his later years, Baizhang was the first to establish the "Pure Rules (清規)," the unique regulations for communal life in Zen temples. He transformed the lives of Zen monks—who until then had been dependent on other Buddhist sects—leading them toward economic and spiritual independence through self-sufficiency. In Japanese, he is known as Hyakujo Ekai.
Q&A
- Q: Why did Baizhang Huaihai maintain the strict stance of "A day without work is a day without eating," even in his old age?
- A: Because for him, "labor (作務)" was not merely a means to earn a living, but the very practice of enlightenment itself.
When his disciples, concerned about his health, hid his farming tools to stop him from working, Baizhang resisted by fasting, stating, "If I am not allowed to work, I do not need to eat." This demonstrates the pinnacle of "Living Zen," showing that truth exists within the concrete activities of daily life
