Precious Calligraphy of the Venerable Old Master Xu Yun
- He Lived into His 120th Year!
Xu Yun Da Shi (虚云大师) – Empty Cloud Great Master - September 5th, 1840 – October 13th, 1959
Translator’s Note: This is an English translation of the original Chinese language text entitled “世寿120岁虚云老和尚珍贵手稿，遗言只有一个字 ” (title rendered above) – published online 25.11.2023. Whereas the Venerable Saṅghanandi was the 17th “Dhyana” Patriarch in India – Master Xu Yun is described in this text as holding the rank of 17th “Ch’an” Patriarch in China – above and beyond the actual and well-known Chinese Buddhist lineage titles he already possesses (his “personal” and “root” Ch’an lineage is that of the Caodong – which has “hidden” and “open” - “Lay” and “Monastic” branches). How can this be the case?
I have checked a number of Chinese language sources and have found this description repeated – from around 2019 onwards. I cannot find, however, a definitive explanation as to why this is the case. I suspect it is a purely honorary designation. After-all, when Bodhidharma arrived in China around 520 CE, he predicted that the “Flower of Ch’an” would possess only six-petals throughout the future generations, and then the transmission of the Dhyana lineage from India to China would be complete. This process culminated in the 6th (Chinese) Patriarch – Hui Neng – who passed away sat upright in meditation around 710 CE. From this point onwards, the next generations are known as “Ancestors”, and those following as “Masters”.
Of course, this could be an error, and I could remove it on this basis, but the fact that it is currently repeated within Chinese language texts, suggests to me that a more prudent approach must be adopted, until further (and clarifying) data becomes available. On the other hand, once you have “stilled” the mind – it is important that the mind that arises once the “void” and “form” are integrated – should think freely in a three-dimensional manner. Think clearly for yourselves and make your own mind up. Whilst all this is unfolding, enjoy these genuine examples of Master Xu Yun’s brush-work and resultant calligraphy. Remember, Master Xu Yun left his body on October 13th, 1959 (according to the Western [solar] calendar) – 65-years ago - as of 2024!
ACW (12.10.2024)
I have checked a number of Chinese language sources and have found this description repeated – from around 2019 onwards. I cannot find, however, a definitive explanation as to why this is the case. I suspect it is a purely honorary designation. After-all, when Bodhidharma arrived in China around 520 CE, he predicted that the “Flower of Ch’an” would possess only six-petals throughout the future generations, and then the transmission of the Dhyana lineage from India to China would be complete. This process culminated in the 6th (Chinese) Patriarch – Hui Neng – who passed away sat upright in meditation around 710 CE. From this point onwards, the next generations are known as “Ancestors”, and those following as “Masters”.
Of course, this could be an error, and I could remove it on this basis, but the fact that it is currently repeated within Chinese language texts, suggests to me that a more prudent approach must be adopted, until further (and clarifying) data becomes available. On the other hand, once you have “stilled” the mind – it is important that the mind that arises once the “void” and “form” are integrated – should think freely in a three-dimensional manner. Think clearly for yourselves and make your own mind up. Whilst all this is unfolding, enjoy these genuine examples of Master Xu Yun’s brush-work and resultant calligraphy. Remember, Master Xu Yun left his body on October 13th, 1959 (according to the Western [solar] calendar) – 65-years ago - as of 2024!
ACW (12.10.2024)
Master Xu Yun (1840-1959) was born in the 20th year of Emperor Daoguang's (道光) reign in the Qing Dynasty. His primary name was Gu Yan (古岩)- but he was also known as Yan Che (演彻). His formal name of De Qing (德清) – whilst his informal name was Huan You (幻游). His ancestral home was in Xiangxiang County, Hunan Province. He was a famous Ch’an Master in modern China, and was admired by people at home and abroad.
Xu Yun became a Buddhist monastic during the Xianfeng (咸丰) Era and travelled to India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and other places to pay his respect to Buddhist holy sites. His personal (root) Ch’an lineage was the Caodong (曹洞) tradition – but he also inherited the Linji (临济) tradition, revived the Yunmen (云门) traditon, restored the Fayen (法眼), and continued the Weiyang (沩仰) tradition. He inherited the Five Houses of Ch’an, reorganised the rural Buddhist monasteries, and rebuilt (and founded) numerous Buddhist Temples. Master Xu Yun held the following (official) Generational Ranks of Inheritance:
17th Patriarch of Chinese Ch’an Buddhism (Please See Above Explanation)
47th Generational Inheritor of the Caodong tradition
43rd Generational Inheritor of the Linji tradition
12th Generational Inheritor of the Yunmen tradition
8th Generational Inheritor of the Fayen tradition
8th Generational Inheritor of the Weiyang tradition
Old Master Xu Yun lived through some of the most critical moments in China’s history. Throughout his life, he rescued the country and protected spirituality. When over 100-years old, Master Xu Yun compiled the poem entitled “Old-Age and Looking-Back on My Life” (高龄生自 – Gao Ling Sheng ZI):
Xu Yun became a Buddhist monastic during the Xianfeng (咸丰) Era and travelled to India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and other places to pay his respect to Buddhist holy sites. His personal (root) Ch’an lineage was the Caodong (曹洞) tradition – but he also inherited the Linji (临济) tradition, revived the Yunmen (云门) traditon, restored the Fayen (法眼), and continued the Weiyang (沩仰) tradition. He inherited the Five Houses of Ch’an, reorganised the rural Buddhist monasteries, and rebuilt (and founded) numerous Buddhist Temples. Master Xu Yun held the following (official) Generational Ranks of Inheritance:
17th Patriarch of Chinese Ch’an Buddhism (Please See Above Explanation)
47th Generational Inheritor of the Caodong tradition
43rd Generational Inheritor of the Linji tradition
12th Generational Inheritor of the Yunmen tradition
8th Generational Inheritor of the Fayen tradition
8th Generational Inheritor of the Weiyang tradition
Old Master Xu Yun lived through some of the most critical moments in China’s history. Throughout his life, he rescued the country and protected spirituality. When over 100-years old, Master Xu Yun compiled the poem entitled “Old-Age and Looking-Back on My Life” (高龄生自 – Gao Ling Sheng ZI):
“Living through five emperors and four dynasties – I remained indifferent to the many troubles. After experiencing endless hardships - I realized all worldly things are impermanent.”
“坐阅五帝四朝不觉沧桑几度，受尽九磨十难了知世事无常”
“坐阅五帝四朝不觉沧桑几度，受尽九磨十难了知世事无常”
Master Xu Yun – Dharma-Image
Old Master Xu Yun – Portrait With His Own Calligraphy
Old Master Xu Yun Presented this Picture – with Calligraphy – to Learned Lay-Buddhists
On October 13th, 1959, Master Xu Yun Passed Away at the Zhenru (真如) Ch’an Temple, Situated on Yunju Mountain, Jiangxi Province. He was 120 Years Old.
On October 13th, 1959, Master Xu Yun Passed Away at the Zhenru (真如) Ch’an Temple, Situated on Yunju Mountain, Jiangxi Province. He was 120 Years Old.
The Final Words of Old Master Xu Yun:
On October 12th, (1959) at around 12:30 pm, Master Xu Yun called his attendants into his room (Master Ti Guang was amongst them). He looked around and said:
On October 12th, (1959) at around 12:30 pm, Master Xu Yun called his attendants into his room (Master Ti Guang was amongst them). He looked around and said:
“You have served me for many years, and you have worked hard for me. There is no need to talk about the past. For the past ten years, I have endured a lot of hardships and lived in danger, doubt and shock. I have been slandered and wronged, but I have been willing to accept it all. My only intention has been to properly preserve the Buddha-Dharma in my country. I preserve the Vinaya Discipline which is embodied in the patchwork robe that I wear – and which I pass-on to future generations!”
The Patchwork Robe of Old Master Xu Yun
“I have fought hard to revive, preserve, and pass-on the True Ch’an Dharma. This effort is embodied in my patchwork robe. You all know the story – so I will not dwell upon it. Regardless of wherever you go, and wherever you live, preserve this patchwork robe with inner strength and do not let the teachings of the Dharma fade away. How can this task be achieved for all time? There is only one essential principle, and that is “戒” (jie) – or “discipline” (that is to “Abstain”).”
After saying this, Old Master Xu Yun clasped his hands together in the Chinese gesture of respect, and said “Take Care!” (珍重 – Zhen Zhong) – literally “Value Immensely!”
Following this – all those present wept with sadness.
“I have fought hard to revive, preserve, and pass-on the True Ch’an Dharma. This effort is embodied in my patchwork robe. You all know the story – so I will not dwell upon it. Regardless of wherever you go, and wherever you live, preserve this patchwork robe with inner strength and do not let the teachings of the Dharma fade away. How can this task be achieved for all time? There is only one essential principle, and that is “戒” (jie) – or “discipline” (that is to “Abstain”).”
After saying this, Old Master Xu Yun clasped his hands together in the Chinese gesture of respect, and said “Take Care!” (珍重 – Zhen Zhong) – literally “Value Immensely!”
Following this – all those present wept with sadness.
(The ideogram “戒” (jie) is included in Master Xu Yun’s poem entitled “持戒偈” [Chi Jie Ji] - or “Keeping Precepts Gatha”)
Master Xu Yun’s poem entitled “持戒偈” [Chi Jie Ji] - or “Keeping Precepts Gatha”)
Before his death, Master Xu Yun wrote a poem titled "Farewell to the World":
“Even in my youth - I bid farewell to my hometown.
Just as the divine-sky is boundless - I wandered the many paths of the broad earth.
I traversed beneath the passing clouds - and across the flowing waters.
A hundred years have passed – and yet the endless vissitudes of life mean nothing to me.
I always teach the multitudes of lost and deluded – so the other shore of enlightenment is reached.
This is my destiny – which I dare not refuse – for fear of falling into a boiling cauldron.
After-all, the suffering of all-beings is endless – is empty - like the moon reflected in water!”
Before his death, Master Xu Yun wrote a poem titled "Farewell to the World":
“Even in my youth - I bid farewell to my hometown.
Just as the divine-sky is boundless - I wandered the many paths of the broad earth.
I traversed beneath the passing clouds - and across the flowing waters.
A hundred years have passed – and yet the endless vissitudes of life mean nothing to me.
I always teach the multitudes of lost and deluded – so the other shore of enlightenment is reached.
This is my destiny – which I dare not refuse – for fear of falling into a boiling cauldron.
After-all, the suffering of all-beings is endless – is empty - like the moon reflected in water!”
Master Xu Yun's Calligraphy - Aged 120-Years Old!
“A Non-Attached Mind Has Nowhere to Dwell”
Throughout his life, Master Xu Yun's practice was profound, and his experiences were often extremely difficult. His character of Master Xu Yun was pure and clean. He was not only a Ch’an Master, but also a National Icon. His disciples were spread all over the world, and he had a profound influence on the development of world Ch’an.
Above is an example of Master Xu Yun's handwriting
“A Non-Attached Mind Has Nowhere to Dwell”
Throughout his life, Master Xu Yun's practice was profound, and his experiences were often extremely difficult. His character of Master Xu Yun was pure and clean. He was not only a Ch’an Master, but also a National Icon. His disciples were spread all over the world, and he had a profound influence on the development of world Ch’an.
Above is an example of Master Xu Yun's handwriting
Handwritten Copy of "Proposal Submitted to Relevant Central Departments in 1952" – Covering How Buddhism Should Be Preserved and Practiced within Modern China!
An Excellent Example of Xu Yun’s Calligraphy!
An Excellent Example of Xu Yun’s Calligraphy!
In 1936, Venerable Master Xu Yun’s inscription Commemorating the Anniversary of “Buddhist Daily”!
March & April 1937 - Eight-Character Couplet (in Regular Script) By Venerable Master Xu Yun
Seven Historical Poems Written on a Fan (1937)!
During August 1947 - Venerable Master Xu Yun Compiled a Dharma-Poem!
In 1952 - Master Xu Yun Wrote an Inscription for “Honghua Monthly”!
In 1954 - Master Xu Yun Wrote an Inscription for Dharma-Master Tan Xu’s (倓虚) text entitled - "Memoirs of Shadows and Dust"
In 1955 - Master Xu Yun Inscribed a Verse for Lay-Buddhist Huang Yuanxiu (黄元秀)- at Yunju Mountain in Jiangxi Province!
In 1955 - Master Xu Yun Wrote an Inscription on Dharma-Master Rongxi's (融熙) book "Hundred Parables Sutra Preaching" - at Yunju Mountain
In 1955, Master Xu Yun Wrote to Huang Yuanxiu at Yunju Mountain in Jiangxi Province
In 1956 - Master Xu Yun Answered Master Rongxi's Question Regarding the Buddhist Calendar
In 1956 - Master Xu Yun’s Letter to the Layman “Kuan Xian” (宽贤) – Xu Yun’s Biographer
aka “Xen Xue Lu” (芩学吕)
aka “Xen Xue Lu” (芩学吕)
In 1957 - Master Xu Yun Wrote the Title Plaque-Inscription for the Yin Lin (隐林) Temple (苑 – Yuan) – Affixed Above the Main Entrance
In 1957 - Master Xu Yun Wrote the Title Plaque-Inscription for a Structure Situated Within the Precinct of the Tian Tong (天童) Temple (寺 – Si) at Ningbo. This Plaque was Affixed Above the Main Entrance of the Yuan Gong (圆公) Pagoda (塔 – Ta) - Facing the Courtyard (院 – Yuan)
In 1958 – Old Master Xu Yun Wrote a Letter to the Layman Kuan Ren (宽仁)
Master Xu Yun writes and Signs a Text
An Example of Master Xu Yun’s Calligraphy – Brush & Ink
An Example of Master Xu Yun’s Hand-Writing – Brush & Ink
The Seal Used By Master Xu Yun When Teaching the Dharma
Master Xu Yun Wrote the Title-Page for the “Sixth Patriarch’s Altar Sutra” (六祖坛经 – Liu Zu Tan Jing)
Venerable Master Xu Yun’s Writing To Dharma-Master Rong Xi (融熙)
Master Xu Yun’s Manuscript Entitled “Sitting Incense Rules Instruction! (坐香规约 – Zuo Xiang Gui Yue) – Written at the Zhu Sheng (祝圣) Temple (寺 – Si) – situated on Jizu Mountain
Master Xu Yun Compiles Three Buddhist Texts:
1) Three Altar External Collection (三坛外集 – San Tan Wai Ji)
2) Transmission Instruction General Principles (垂语大体 – Chui Yu Da Ti)
3) Correct Etiquette Ceremony Room Ritual (引礼寮仪式 – Yin Li Liao Yi Shi)
1) Three Altar External Collection (三坛外集 – San Tan Wai Ji)
2) Transmission Instruction General Principles (垂语大体 – Chui Yu Da Ti)
3) Correct Etiquette Ceremony Room Ritual (引礼寮仪式 – Yin Li Liao Yi Shi)
Master Xu Yun Compiles Two Buddhist Texts:
1) Three Altar External Collection (三坛外集 – San Tan Wai Ji)
2) Correct Etiquette Ceremony Room Ritual (引礼寮仪式 – Yin Li Liao Yi Shi)
1) Three Altar External Collection (三坛外集 – San Tan Wai Ji)
2) Correct Etiquette Ceremony Room Ritual (引礼寮仪式 – Yin Li Liao Yi Shi)
Letter from Master Xu Yun to Master Jing Hui (净慧)
Old Master Xu Yun Writes the Heading to the Title-Page
Letter from Old Master Xu Yun to Ye Gong Chuo (叶恭绰)
Letter from Old Master Xu Yun to Li Ji Shen (李济深)
We Bow to Venerable Old Master Xu Yun with All Our Heart!
Namo Amitabha! Namo Amitabha! Namo Amitabha! (南无阿弥陀佛 – Na Mo E Mi Tuo Fo)
Namo Amitabha! Namo Amitabha! Namo Amitabha! (南无阿弥陀佛 – Na Mo E Mi Tuo Fo)
©opyright: Adrian Chan-Wyles (ShiDaDao) 2024.