Background
Yuanwu Keqin was born into the Le family of Pengzhou, Sichuan, in 1063.
- Photos
- Works
- Photos
- Works
Yuanwu Keqin
Edit Profile圜悟克勤
Career
He ended his formal studies under Wuzu Fayan (1047-1104) when he was in his forties. Yuanwu Keqin was closely involved in the literati circles. Starting from the year 1112 on, Yuan-wu started to lecture on the One Hundred Old Cases and Verses compiled by Xuedou Zhongxian (980–1052).
These lectures resulted in the The gives clear instructions about the correct approach to kōan.
Yuanwu went as far as to annotate the poems line by line to make clear the correct reading of Xuedou"s appended verses, which are complex, because of the rich use of symbolism and the allusions to Chinese secular literature and to Chan history. According to the Chán-tradition, the gained such a popularity, that Dahui Zonggao burned all the copies he could lay hands on, and the wooden printing blocks.
