Moshan Liaoran
Moshan Liaoran (n.d.) was a disciple of Gao'an Dayu. Although little is recorded of her life and teachings, she is the primary remaining example of a prominent female teacher among the early records of the Zen school. She is known from a dialogue with a monk named Xian of Guanxi that is found in the
lamp records. Guanxi Xian first studied with Linji Yixuan, hut left that teacher and set off traveling, eventually coming to Moshan's temple in ancient Ruizhou, the area of modern Gao'an City in Jiangxi Province. Moshan is recognized by the male-dominated Zen tradition as a true Zen master. Guanxi Xian became her student and studied under her for three years. Later, he equated her with Linji, saying:
"I received half a ladle at Father Linji's place and half a ladle at Mother Moshan's. Since I took that drink, I've never been thirsty."
Zen master Moshan Liaoran of Ruizhou was a student of Gao'an Dayu. Once, the monk Guanxi Xian arrived at Mt. Mo and said, "If there's someone here who's worthy, I'll stay here. If not, I'll overturn the meditation platform!"
He then entered the hall.
Moshan sent her attendant to query the visitor, saying, "Your Reverence, are you here sightseeing, or have you come seeking the Buddhadharma?"
Guanxi Xian said, "I seek the Dharma."
So Moshan sat upon the Dharma seat [in the audience room] and Xian entered for an interview.
Moshan said, "Your Reverence, where have you come from today?"
Guanxi said, "From the intersection on the main road."
Moshan said, "Why don't you remove your sun hat?"
Guanxi didn't answer for some time. ([Later,] Shushan said, "The battle begins here.") Finally, he [removed his hat, and] bowed, saying, "What about Mt. Mo? [Moshan]."
Moshan said, "The peak isn't revealed."
Guanxi said, "Who is the master of Mt. Mo?"
Moshan said, "Without the form of man or woman."
Guanxi shouted, then said, "Why can't it transform itself?"
Moshan said, "It's not a god or a demon. So how could it become something else?"
Guanxi then submitted to become Moshan's student. He worked as head gardener for three years.
A poor and thin monk came to study with Moshan.
Moshan said, "How thin you are!"
The monk said, "Even so, I'm still a lion cub!"109
Moshan said, "Since you are a lion cub, why do you let Manjushri ride upon you?"
The monk didn't answer. Then he asked, "What is the mind of the ancient buddhas?"
Moshan said, "The world is collapsing!" The monk said, "Why is the world collapsing? Moshan said, "It's not my body."
A Song dynasty writer penned a verse in praise of Moshan that is recorded in a classic Zen text named the Guzunsu Yulu.
Mt. Mo does not reveal its pure summit, But through all time the pinnacle is before the eyes. It's said it has no male or female form, But do distinguish the lotus amidst the flames. Without form, without mind, without intention, Becoming male or female just accords with conditions, These times are replete with monks and lay practitioners, Each one shines with flawless incandescence.
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