Zhangxue Tongzui (Chinese:丈雪通醉; 1610 – 1695) was a eminent Chan master, poet, calligrapher, and monastic architect during the lateMing and earlyQing dynasties of China. A principal Dharma successor of the renowned masterPoshan Haiming, he played a pivotal role in revitalizingChan Buddhism insouthwest China, particularly inSichuan,Guizhou, andShaanxi.

Zhangxue Tongzui was born Li Luo or Li Weixing into a peasant family inZi County (now Neijiang),Sichuan, to Li Mei (李梅), in 1610, during the lateMing dynasty (1368–1644).^[1] He entered monastic life at age five under his uncle Chan master Qingran (清然禅师) at Zhugu Temple (诸古寺).^[1] Well-educated in Confucian classics and Buddhist texts, he demonstrated exceptional literary and artistic talent from youth.^[1]

In 1630, Zhangxue Tongzui vowed to observe the complete precepts under Jiansui (鉴随) at Baiyun Temple.^[2] In 1634, after his father died, Zhangxue Tongzui became a disciple of Chan masterPoshang Haiming, who later bestowed upon him the name "Zhangxue" (丈雪; 'Ten-Foot Snow') after witnessing his enlightenment during a waterfall meditation—symbolizing the purity and depth of his insight.^[1]

In 1636, Zhangxue Tongzui traveled extensively to deepen his practice, including studying underMiyun Yuanwu atTiantong Temple in Yin County (now part ofNingbo,east China'sZhejiang province.^[1] A pivotal moment occurred when, injured while gathering firewood, Zhangxue Tongzui experienced profound awakening upon hearing the sound of the temple's wooden clapper.^[1] After theParinirvana of Miyun Yuanwu in 1642, he returned toShuanggui Temple, and received full Dharma transmission under Poshang Haiming, becoming a key figure in theLinji school.^[1]

Amid the turmoil of the Ming-Qing transition, Zhangxue Tongzui dedicated himself to rebuilding Buddhist temples, including seven major temples: Xueju Temple (雪居寺) inZunyi, Yumen Temple (禹门寺) in Shatan, Jingming Temple (静明寺) inHanzhong, Qinglian Temple (青莲庵) inJiaxing, Caotang Temple (草堂寺) inBaoning, Bore Temple (般若寺) in Zi County, andZhaojue Temple inChengdu.^[1]

In 1663, during the ruling ofKangxi Emperor of theQing dynasty (1644–1912), Zhangxue Tongzui came to Chengdu, capital of southwest China's Sichuan province.^[1] When he witnessed the dilapidated site of Zhaojue Temple, which had once been resided by the renownedSong dynasty (960–1279) Chan masterYuanwu Keqin, he decided to oversee its reconstruction.^[1] The project took 12 years to complete, ultimately transforming the temple into a major Buddhist teaching center in southwest China.^[1]

In 1695, Zhangxue Tongzui entered Parinirvana at Zhaojue Temple.^[1]

Zhangxue Tongzui embodied the Linji School's "sudden enlightenment" approach, employing direct methods such as shouts and strikes (棒喝) to awaken students. His teachings emphasized: "Ordinary Mind is the Way" (即心即佛) , realizing Buddha-nature in everyday activities; Integration of practice and labor: Balancing seated meditation with mindful work; promoted "farming Chan" (农禅) , integrating meditation with agricultural labor to foster self-sufficiency amid social instability.^[1]

Zhangxue Tongzui is known for vigorous, unrestrained cursive script, embodying the spontaneity of Chan Buddhism.^[1][3]

• Jinjiang Chandelier (锦江禅灯), a 20-volume compilation of biographies and teachings of Chan masters in southwestern China, preserving regional Buddhist history.^[1]

• Pine Poems (青松诗集), poetry collections reflect his fusion of Chan insight with natural imagery.^[1]

• Quotations from Chan Master Zhangxue of Zhaojue Temple (昭觉丈雪禅师语录)^[1]

• 1610 births
• 1695 deaths
• People from Neijiang
• Rinzai Buddhists
• Ming dynasty Buddhist monks
• Qing dynasty Buddhist monks
• Ming dynasty poets
• Qing dynasty poets

• Articles containing Chinese-language text
• CS1 uses Chinese-language script (zh)
• CS1 Chinese-language sources (zh)
• Articles containing simplified Chinese-language text