Definition
A practical Zen master who inherited Linji's True Dharma Eye Treasury and surpassed even his master
Reading: Sanshō Enen / Reading (ZH): Sānshèng Huìrán
Sansheng Huiran was a Zen monk of the Linji school during the Tang dynasty and a Dharma successor of Linji Yixuan (臨済義玄). He exchanged sharp Zen dialogues with various great masters, such as Yangshan Huiji (仰山慧寂), Xiangyan Zhixian (香厳智閑), and Deshan Xuanjian (徳山宣鑑). At the deathbed of Linji, Sansheng gave a "Katsu!" shout, which led Linji to say, "My True Dharma Eye Treasury is destroyed by this blind donkey."
Training: He received the Dharma under Linji Yixuan. After that, he traveled across the country and engaged in intense Zen dialogues with renowned masters such as Yangshan Huiji, Xiangyan Zhixian, and Deshan Xuanjian.
Awakening: He received the mind-seal directly transmitted from Linji Yixuan.
Teachings: He used sharp and intense Zen action to instantly break thoughts trapped by words or fixed forms.
Legacy: As the heir to the essence of Linji's True Dharma Eye Treasury, he contributed greatly to the development of the Linji school.
Notes: When his master, Linji Yixuan, was dying, Linji left his last words: "After my death, do not destroy my True Dharma Eye Treasury." Sansheng replied, "Who would dare to destroy Master's True Dharma Eye Treasury?" and gave a "Katsu!" shout. Linji then remarked, "Who would know that my True Dharma Eye Treasury is destroyed at the side of this blind donkey?" After saying this, Linji passed away peacefully in meditation.
Source volumes: 『景徳傳燈録』 卷第十二
Q&A
- Q: Why did Linji Yixuan say that the True Dharma Eye Treasury was destroyed in response to Sansheng's "Katsu!" shout?
- A: Because this shows that the truth of Zen (the True Dharma Eye Treasury) should not be left as fixed words or doctrines. By being passed down through practical action beyond words—like Sansheng's "Katsu!" shout—it escapes easy conceptualization and becomes a completed, living truth.
