Definition
Reading: Isan Reiyu / Reading (ZH): Guīshān Língyòu
潙山霊祐 (Guishan Lingyou) is a Zen monk of the Tang Dynasty. He became a monk at the age of fifteen. He studied the Sutras and the Vinaya of the Mahayana and Hinayana at Longxing Temple in Hangzhou. He studied under the master 百丈懐海 (Baizhang Huaihai) and received his dharma transmission. He had excellent students such as 仰山慧寂 (Yangshan Huiji), 香厳智閑 (Xiangyan Zhixian), and 霊雲志勤 (Lingyun Zhiqin). The Zen style that he and Yangshan developed became known as 潙仰宗 (the Guiyang school) later.
Q&A
- Q: Why did Guishan Lingyou go to study under Baizhang Huaihai?
- A: Because he sought an "enlightenment" that could not be reached through the knowledge of scriptures alone. He aspired to establish a state of practical Zen realization by seeking the guidance of Baizhang Huaihai, who was renowned in the Zen world at that time.
