The Birthplace of the Yangqi Sect: A Deep Exploration of Yangqi Puto

Jiangxi Province, Pingxiang City, Yangqi Mountain, Puto Temple (formerly Guangli Temple), Shangli, Luxi, Yuanzhou, Changsha (Tanzhou), Jing Mountain (Hangzhou), Kyoto (Japan), Tofuku-ji Temple.

Preface: The Zen Echoes of Western Jiangxi

Amidst the undulating peaks of western Jiangxi, Yangqi Mountain harmonizes its natural splendor of “green waters and jagged rocks” with profound religious heritage. As the birthplace of the Yangqi Sect, one of the “Five Houses and Seven Sects” of Chinese Zen Buddhism, the Puto Temple carries the aspirations of Tang and Song masters. Over a millennium ago, it initiated a cultural dialogue that crossed the seas. Home to legendary figures such as Chengguang, Zhenshu, and Fanghui, it remains the ancestral temple for significant Buddhist schools in Japan.

I. The Tang Foundation: Chengguang and Zhenshu

Buddhist activity on Yangqi Mountain dates back to the Yongjia era of the Western Jin Dynasty (307–313 AD). However, the formal history of the temple began in the flourishing Tang Dynasty.

1. Master Chengguang and Liu Yuxi’s Immortal Inscription

In the 12th year of the Tianbao era (753 AD), Master Chengguang, originally from Guangxi, established the “Guangli Zen Temple” after receiving teachings in Luoyang. Chengguang managed the temple for over 40 years, expanding it to house more than 100 monks. He passed away in the 14th year of the Zhenyuan era (798 AD) at the age of 82. In 807 AD (2nd year of Yuanhe), the famous man of letters Liu Yuxi composed the stupa inscription for Chengguang. This 1,037-character text is now a provincial-level protected relic.

2. Master Zhenshu and the Millennium ‘Inverted Cypress’

In 773 AD (8th year of Dali), Zhenshu, a disciple of Mazu Daoyi, arrived at Yangqi Mountain to study under Chengguang. After Chengguang’s passing, Zhenshu succeeded him as abbot. He passed away in 820 AD. The “Zhenshu Inverted Cypress” behind the temple stands approximately 20 meters tall with a diameter of over 2 meters. Legend says it was planted upside down by Zhenshu. It has survived over 1,100 years, symbolizing the eternal vitality of the ancestral sect.

II. The Northern Song Peak: Master Fanghui’s New Order

The Northern Song Dynasty saw the rise of the most influential leader in Yangqi history—Master Fanghui.

1. Founding the Yangqi Sect

Between 1022 and 1045 AD, Master Fanghui (992–1048) became the abbot of Yangqi Mountain and officially renamed the temple to Puto Temple. He advocated for “sudden enlightenment” and “self-reliance,” teaching that “all sentient beings possess Buddha-nature.” His simplified, practical approach allowed Yangqi Zen to spread rapidly.

2. Dominance by the Numbers

Historical records show that from the Southern Song to the early Kangxi era of the Qing Dynasty, out of 710 prominent monks with surviving records, 470 belonged to the Yangqi lineage—a staggering 66%. This statistical dominance highlights the sect’s role as the orthodox representative of the Linji school.

III. Cross-Sea Propagation: Impact on Japan

The influence of Yangqi Zen extended far beyond China, profoundly shaping Japanese religion starting in the late 12th century.

1. The Missions of Shunjo and Ben’en

In 1199 AD, the Japanese monk Shunjo traveled to Jing Mountain in Hangzhou to study the Yangqi teachings. Later, Ben’en returned to Japan in 1241 to found Tofuku-ji, officially establishing the Yangqi lineage in Japan.

2. The ‘Yangqi DNA’ of Japanese Zen

Data indicates that of the 24 Zen sects during Japan’s Kamakura Shogunate, 20 were derived from the Yangqi lineage. Even into the 1980s, most of the million-plus Linji (Rinzai) followers in Japan traced their spiritual roots back to Pingxiang’s Yangqi Mountain.

IV. Cultural Relics: The Tang and Song Artistic Legacy

The Puto Temple has survived six major destruction-and-restoration cycles, yet its remains hold immense artistic value.

1. The Stupa of Master Chengguang

The Chengguang Stupa stands 2.35 meters tall and features four tiers, each with eight sides decorated with reliefs. This 8-sided structure perfectly illustrates the rugged and ancient carving style of the Tang Dynasty.

2. Master Zhenshu’s Stupa (The Oil & Salt Pagoda)

Located at the foot of the East Peak, Zhenshu’s Stupa is 1.78 meters high and 0.88 meters wide, shaped like a square pavilion. Local lore calls it the “Oil & Salt Pagoda,” as it was said to provide food for monks miraculously. It is currently a provincial protected monument.

V. Modern Fate: From Yuanwu Keqin to Restoration

Other giants like Yuanwu Keqin (author of The Blue Cliff Record) also held the Yangqi lineage in high regard during the Song Dynasty.

1. Modern Tribulations

In the 1940s, Japanese forces severely damaged the temple. During the Cultural Revolution, statues were destroyed and most buildings collapsed, nearly severing the lineage.

2. The 1984 Revival

In 1982, the monks Lixiang and Jingcheng returned to Yangqi to initiate repairs with public support. In 1984, the Pingxiang municipal government formally established an office for religious affairs and recovered the temple property. In 1987, Zhao Puchu, Chairman of the Buddhist Association of China, inscribed the tablet for “Yangqi Mountain Puto Temple,” marking its official return to glory.

Conclusion: Silent Fragrance

The significance of Yangqi Puto Temple lies not just in the 1,200-year-old stupa or the 20-meter cypress. It represents a cultural resilience that “points directly to the human heart.” From Fanghui’s “Lion’s Roar” in 1046 to modern international pilgrimages, the 66% lineage ratio of the Yangqi Sect proves the enduring power of Zen.