A Study On The Zen Thoughts Of Linji Yixuan

As an important sect of Chinese Buddhism,Zen still has a certain appeal and influence,and its internal power of development lies in its integration with Chinese traditional culture.In the late Tang dynasty,there were five sects derived from southern Zen which showed trend at that time.In the early days of the establishment of Linji School,it was widely recognized by the public and its successors have never been cut off.Linji Yixuan,as the founder of Linji School,his theory is the foundation of Linji Zen.So it is a good entrance to understand Zen and Linji School.This paper will discuss the process of development,source,content,status and contribution of Linji Yixuan's Zen thoughts.In the specific content,it is divided into five parts: the premise of spiritual practice,the style of spiritual practice,the way of enlightenment,the means of enlightenment,and the final state.We expect that we can interpret the Zen of Linji Yixuan and explore the modern value of his thoughts.The important premise of Yixuan's spiritual cultivation thought is man's one thought.It is the source of all things and the transformation of Buddhism.If someone can recognize this one thought,he may be indistinguishable from the Buddha.It laid a path for him to return to his heart and seek Buddha.Before practicing this path,we need to have the psychological condition of self-confidence.Then,it is time to wait for the leap of insight.However,people have different abilities of understanding and it is easy for them to make mistakes during practicing.So Linji Yixuan put forward many means of enlightenment to help people to arrive in the final state.Linji School is a key link in the development of Chinese southern Zen.We will divide its status and contribution into three parts.Firstly,it laid a foundation for the development of Zen in Song dynasty.Secondly,it has a positive influence on Chinese traditional religion and philosophy,especially Quanzhen Taoism and Confucianism of Song and Ming dynasties.Finally,the practice of Zen provides theoretical support for modern human Buddhism.Moreover,The modern value of Linji Yixuan's Zen is embodied in three aspects: learning,teaching and being a man.