Huang Jing-jia

Abstract

Zen sketches in the Song Dynasty are the essay writing which records the situations of Buddhist temple in Song Dynasty. This paper focuses on narrative Zen sketches of Zen monks in the Song Dynasty, including “Lin Jian Lu” by Hui Hung, “Zong Men Wu Ku” by Tao Qian Bian, “Lo Hu Yeh Lu” by Xiao Ying, “Yun Wo Ji Tan”, “Cong Lin Sheng Shih” by Tao Rong and “Ku Ai Men Lu” by Huan Wu. It observes the writing and criticism on the anecdotes of Buddhist temples in the Song Dynasty in Zen sketches. Zen sketches are based on the lively writing style of unofficial history and records. They lack structures and each story is independent. The writing focuses on the details of one event to show the unique personality and spirit of Zen monks, and highlights the characters by focused description. The stories of the interaction among Zen monks reveal their wisdom in the discussion of Zen. The writers of the sketches as the observers of the situations of Buddhist temples in the Song Dynasty, they positioned themselves as historians. The Record contains personal criticism including warning or comment on the change of Zen monks towards the world, schools and experiences of Zen monks, and change of cultural climate of Buddhist temples. Between narration and criticism, it shows the writers’ in-depth concerns for future Zen development by recording the situations of Buddhist temples at the time. The anecdotes and cultural phenomenon of Buddhist temples collected by the writers are the important historical materials to approach the development of Zen Buddhism in the Song Dynasty.

Keywords: Zen sketches, Zen essays, Anecdote of Zen, Make up the History, Song Dynasty