Xuefeng Yicun

Definition

Reading: Seppo Gison / Seppo Gizon / Reading (ZH): Xuěfēng Yìcún

雪峰義存 (Xuefeng Yicun) is a famous Chan monk in the late Tang Dynasty. He is known as a great teacher in Zen history.He was born in Fujian, China. He studied under Qingxuan at the age of 12. He became a monk when he was 17 years old. He returned to secular life during 廃仏毀釈 (the anti-Buddhist persecution), but 芙蓉霊訓 (Furong Lingxun) found his talent. Later, he traveled to many temples with 巌頭全奯 (Yantou Quanhuo) and 欽山文邃 (Jinshan Wunsui). Finally, he studied under 徳山宣鑑 (Deshan Xuanjian) and inherited his Dharma.In 870, he founded the temple on Mount Xuefeng. With the support of the King of Min, Fujian became a big Buddhist center. Xuefeng raised many great Zen masters, such as 玄沙師備 (Xuansha Shibei) and 雲門文偃 (Yunmen Wenyan). Some people criticize his Zen style. They say it was too traditional and lacked strictness. However, he was a very great teacher.
とは、唐末の禅僧。泉州南安（福建省）曽氏の出身。12歳で慶玄律師に師事し17歳で出家。廃仏毀釈のときに還俗するが芙蓉霊訓に見出される。巌頭全奯（がんとうぜんかつ）・欽山文邃（きんざんぶんすい）とともに道場を巡り、やがて徳山宣鑑に参じ、法を嗣いだ。870年より雪峯山を開創した。閩（びん）王の外護のもと、福建省が一大仏教国となった。玄沙師備（げんしゃ しび）、雲門文偃（うんもん ぶんえん）などの多くの優秀な禅者を排出した。禅風は、オーソドックスで禅者としての透徹した厳しさを欠くと批判されているものの、教育者としての力量を遺憾無く発揮した。