Shih-t'ou (700–790)

Shih-t'ou, a contemporary of Ma-tsu, became a monk in his adult life. After he had attained enlightenment, he built himself a hut on rock and hence became known as 'The Rock'. Here he stayed for twenty-five years, devoted to meditation but at the same time attracting many followers. His teaching emphasized the identity of the Buddha and the Mind: 'This very mind, just this is Buddha. Mind, Buddha, and sentient beings, perfect wisdom and the defiling passions - these are but four different names for one and the same substance'. In contrast to Ma-tsu, Shih-t'ou's style of Zen was more gentle but both emphasized that the mind and Buddha were one and the same thing.

Shih-t'ou 

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Please report any failed links to Richard. Thanks.