LIN CHI I-HSUAN (Linji Yixuan)

Though little historical is known of him, he initiated a distinctive version of the Zen strand of Buddhism which developed in both China and Japan. He is associated with the use of radically challenging prompts to induce enlightenment, including sudden shouts and slaps. He also used strikingly exaggerated language to convey his message, such as “If you meet the Buddha, kill the Buddha; if you meet the patriarch, kill the patriarch”. In other words, “don’t be daunted by the status of others, you are free to live your own humanity”.

Life 

• A brief account of Lin Chi's life and teaching

• Entry on Lin Chi from the Encyclopedia of Buddhism
• An examination of Lin Chi's teaching

Writings

• Lin Chi quotations