Master Juefan Huihong: Life and Works
Master Juefan Huihong (1070–1128), also known as Dehong, courtesy name Juefan, self-titled "Silent Sound Venerable One," secular surname Yu (some records say Peng), was a native of Yifeng, Jiangxi. He was a highly influential poet-monk, prose writer, poetry theorist, monastic historian, and Buddhist scholar during the Northern Song Dynasty.
Juefan Huihong maintained close literary exchanges with prominent figures such as Su Shi and Huang Tingjian and made significant contributions to Buddhist literature and Chan (Zen) thought.
1. Life and Journey
1. Early Monastic Life
Born in 1070 (some sources say 1071) in Xinchang, Yunzhou, Jiangxi (present-day Yifeng County). Orphaned at the age of fourteen, he entered monastic life under Master Sanfeng Jin, laying the foundation for his Buddhist studies.
2. Full Ordination
At nineteen, he received full ordination at Tianwang Temple in the Eastern Capital (Dongjing, modern-day Kaifeng). For certain reasons, he adopted the monastic name "Huihong." During his time in the capital, he studied scriptures and treatises such as the Cheng Weishi Lun (Discourse on the Perfection of Consciousness-only) under Master Xuanmi Shen, while also delving extensively into works of philosophy, history, and classical literature.
3. Chan (Zen) Study
At twenty-three, he returned south to Mount Lushan, where he studied Chan under Master Zhenjing Kewen. He later followed his teacher to Shimen Temple in Hongzhou, deepening his immersion in Chan practice and integrating literary arts with Chan principles.
4. Travels and Literary Exchanges
Beginning at twenty-nine, he traveled through regions like Dongwu and Yuanxiang, visiting renowned temples. His poetry gained recognition for its refreshing clarity, elegant phrasing, and lofty spirit. He frequently exchanged poems and correspondence with leading literary figures of the time, including Su Shi and Huang Tingjian.
5. Trials and Tribulations
Due to his use of another monk's name and associations with political factions, Huihong was imprisoned twice and later exiled to Hainan Island. He was not released until the third year of the Zhenghe era (1113 AD). These experiences deeply informed his later literary and spiritual works.
6. Final Years and Passing
He passed away in the second year of the Jianyan era (1128 AD). His disciples erected a stupa in his memory on Fengqi Mountain.
2. Major Literary and Buddhist Works
Huihong left a vast body of work spanning poetry, prose, anecdotal notes, monastic biographies, and scriptural commentaries. Below is a list of his significant works:
| Category | Work Title | Volumes |
|---|---|---|
| Poetry & Prose Collection | Shimen Wenzi Chan (Literary Chan from Stone Gate) | 30 |
| Anecdotes & Poetry Notes | Lengzhai Ye Hua (Night Talks from Cold Studio) | 10 |
| Poetics & Criticism | Tianchu Jinluan (Forbidden Delicacies from the Heavenly Kitchen) | 3 |
| Monastic Biographies | Chanlin Sengbao Zhuan (Biographies of Monastic Treasures in the Chan Grove) | 30 |
| Chan Notes & Records | Linjian Lu (Records from the Woods) | 2 |
| Scriptural Commentary | Zhizheng Zhuan (Treatise on Wisdom and Verification) | 10 |
| Chan Essentials | Linji Zongzhi (The Essential Teachings of Linji) | 1 |
| Chan Dharma Essentials | Yunyan Baojing Sanmei (The Samadhi of Yunyan's Precious Mirror) | 1 |
| Sutra Exegesis | Lengyan Zunding Yi (The Meaning of the Noble Summit of the Śūraṅgama Sūtra) | 10 |
| Combined Sutra Commentary | Fahua Jing He Lun (Combined Discourse on the Lotus Sūtra) | 7 |
| Poetry Collection | Yunxi Ji (Collection from Yun溪) | 10 |
| Monastic History | Seng Shi (History of the Sangha) | 12 |
| Biographies of Eminent Monks | Gaoseng Zhuan (Biographies of Eminent Monks) | 12 |
| Chan Guide | Wuzong Gangyao Zhijue (Essential Guidelines of the Five Schools) | 1 |
| Huayan Commentary | Zhu Huayan Shiming Lun (Commentary on the Ten Treatises of the Huayan) | 1 |
| Sutra of Perfect Enlightenment Commentary | Yuanjue Jing Jiezheng Lun (Treatise on the Verification of the Sutra of Perfect Enlightenment) | 2 |
| Diamond Sutra Treatise | Jingang Fa Yuan Lun (Treatise on the Source of the Dharma of the Diamond Sutra) | 1 |
| Awakening of Faith Exegesis | Qixin Lun Jie Yi (Explanation of the Meaning of the Awakening of Faith) | 2 |
| Miscellany & Notes | Zhi Lin (Forest of Records) | 10 |
| Recorded Sayings & Verses | Yulu Jisong (Recorded Dialogues and Verses) | 1 |
| Commentary on the Book of Changes | Yi Zhu (Commentary on the I Ching) | 3 |
| Poetry Collection | Ganlu Ji (Nectar Collection) | 30 |
| Poetry Collection | Wuwai Ji (Collection Beyond Things) | 3 |
| Recorded Sayings | Huigao Chanshi Yulu (Recorded Sayings of Chan Master Huigao) | 1 |
| Lost Work | Zhengdao Ge (Song of Verifying the Way) | 1 (lost) |
3. Contributions to Literature and Buddhism
Master Huihong was not only a pivotal Chan monk of the Northern Song but also a key figure in the integration of literature and Buddhism. His Shimen Wenzi Chan blends poetry and prose with Chan insight; Lengzhai Ye Hua preserves valuable literary anecdotes and poetic criticism; and Chanlin Sengbao Zhuan remains a crucial source for the study of Song Dynasty Chan history. His oeuvre holds a significant place in both the history of Buddhist literature and Chinese poetic theory.
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