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Entry: Changzhi (Chan Master)

Chinese char: ±`´¼(ÁI®v)

Explanation:

(fl. early 20th cent.)
"The Master, whose family name was Meng, was a native of Shuangcheng County ("Twin Cities") in Manchuria. Although he never received a formal education, he was loyal, generous, unassuming, and honest.
"The Master was a farmer, and he treated people kindly and handled affairs in a public and fair manner. He believed in taking a loss, and so when employed to work, he always did more work but took less pay than was usual. His was the spirit of renouncing oneself for the sake of others.

"While Great Master Changren (see entry) was observing the filial practice of living in a hut by one's parent's grave, the Master brought forth the resolve to protect his Dharma. During the first three years, he brought food to Master Changren every day, dauntless even in the wind and rain. During the final three years, Master Changren ate only uncooked rice flour, and Master Changzhi also provided him with that.

"When he was in his forties, the Master, inspired by Master Changren, decided to leave the home-life. His wife and children grasped his feet and wept bitterly, refusing to let him go. The Master said, 'If you do not let go of me now, by tomorrow you will be carrying me out in a coffin.' At that point, they had no other recourse but to release him.

"He then left the home-life under Elder Master Xiuyun. He specialized in cultivating the Pure Land practice of reciting the Buddha's name. Later, he entered seclusion in the house of Layman Ran Yanming. He understood his own mind and saw his own nature. When he came out of seclusion, his wisdom was bright and apparent. He had unimpeded eloquence, and learned discourses would spontaneously flow from his tongue. The educated people of his time were astonished by his wisdom, and all admitted they were not his equal. The Master departed while reciting the Buddha's name.

"A verse in praise of him says:

Loyal, kind, and unassuming,
he was endowed with a sincere nature.
With fervor he undertook charitable works,
and labored in the fields and gardens.

Earnestly he toiled, taking only half the normal salary.
Thrifty and sparing towards himself, he was generous towards
other people.

To help others to accomplishment was what he considered true happiness.

Supporting the filial person, he built a shack for him.
Resolutely, he left the home-life without any impediment.
He suddenly separated himself from wearisome defilements, love, and emotional desire."
(VBS #204, May, 1987, p. 7)

Pinyin: changzhi

Sanskrit:

Pali:

Alternative:

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Last Updated: 12/26/2001 6:04:07 PM EST

Updated by: 66.124.251.162

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