Today, Tiantong Zongjue is a topic of great relevance and interest. Since its emergence, it has captured the attention of many people and has become a point of discussion in various areas. This phenomenon has sparked the interest of experts and enthusiasts alike, generating extensive debate about its implications and consequences. Tiantong Zongjue has proven to have a significant impact on modern society, and its influence is becoming increasingly evident in different aspects of daily life. In this article, we will thoroughly explore Tiantong Zongjue and its relevance in the current context, analyzing its evolution, challenges and possible future scenarios.
Title | Chán master |
---|---|
Personal | |
Born | 1091 |
Died | 1162 |
Religion | Buddhism |
Denomination | Chán/Zen |
School | Caodong/Sōtō |
Senior posting | |
Teacher | Zhenxie Qingliao |
Predecessor | Zhenxie Qingliao |
Successor | Xuedou Zhijian |
Students |
Tiantong Zongjue (Chinese: 天童宗珏; Japanese: Tendō Sōkaku), was a Chinese Zen Buddhist monk during the Song Dynasty. He was born in Hezhou, but left home to practice Buddhism at the age of sixteen. His ordination took place two years later. Zuzhao Daohe of the Yunmen School was his first teacher. However, Daohe retired and was replaced by Zhenxie Qingliao of the Caodong/Sōtō School, who became the teacher that gave Zongjue dharma transmission. In 1132, Zongjue became the abbot of Yuelin Temple where he served for 23 years. After this period, his abbacy switched to Mt. Xuedou. He remained there for four years before becoming the abbot of Tiantong Monastery near the modern city of Ningbo in 1159.: 438 He was replacing the former abbot, the famous Hongzhi Zhengjue, who died there in 1157. It was from this final temple, where Zongjue died in 1162, that he took his name.: 438 Tiantong temple was the same monastery where Eihei Dogen studied under Tiantong Rujing before bringing the teaching back to Japan and founding the Sōtō School.: 454