Wuzhun Shifan

CHINA, Sichuan, Mianyang; Southern Song dynasty

Wuzhun Shifan was a master of the Linji school of Chan Buddhism from Mianzhou (present day Zitong, Mianyang). Originally from a family with the name Yong, he was tonsured at the age of 9 under Chan Master Yinping Daoqin. He received full ordination in 1194 at the age of 16. Under imperial order in 1232, Master Wuzhun went to Wanshou Temple in Zhejiang and served as the 34th abbot. There, he presided over the temple for two decades. He was later summoned by Emperor Lizong (reigned 1224–1264) of the Southern Song dynasty to teach the Dharma in Ciming Hall of the imperial palace; he was subsequently honored with a gold monastic robe and in 1239, he was conferred the title Chan Master Fojian (Buddha Mirror). Master Wuzhun’s written works include Quotes of Chan Master Wuzhun Shifan.
Among his many distinguished disciples were the painter monks Muxi and Wu’an Puning, Chan Master Wuxue Zuyuan, and the influential Japanese Zen monk, Enni Ben’en. In fact, after a voyage to China, Enni returned to Japan with several calligraphic pieces by Master Wuzhun. These works bore the distinguished characteristics of Song dynasty (960–1279) calligraphy which not only emphasized spontaneity, but also exhibited a sense of style and charm. Among them, the horizontal inscribed board inscription, Characters - Sakyamuni Hall, is listed as an Important Cultural Property of Japan and kept at the Tokyo National Museum. In addition, according to historical records, 17 pieces of Master Wuzhun’s calligraphy are preserved in Japan as National Treasures. They include Main Temple Gate Supplication, kept at the Gotoh Museum in Tokyo; Letter from Master Wuzhun Shifan to Enni Ben’en, kept at the Tokyo National Museum; and Certificate of Attainment, along with a calligraphic inscription on his own portrait, kept at Tofukuji Temple in Kyoto.