Muyun Tongmen

CHINA, Jiangsu, Suzhou; Ming dynasty

Muyun Tongmen was a master of the Linji school of Chan Buddhism from Changshu, Suzhou. He had an original family name of Zhang and an alias of Wo’an. He renounced and studied under Master Dongwen at Xingfu Temple in Shaanxi, and subsequently traveled. During this time he visited Chan masters Wuyi Yuanlai and Miyun Yuanwu, the latter of whom he received Dharma transmission.
Muyun stayed in several famous temples in China, but later decided to live in seclusion for over ten years. He was knowledgeable and skilled in poetry, literature, calligraphy, and painting. His works displayed the ancient styles of the Wei and Jin dynasties (265–420). His publications include Odes and Quotes in Honor of the Roots of Muyun, Essays by Muyun at Lanzhai, and Quotes of Muyun in Seven Assemblies.