Dahui Zonggao

Who was Dahui Zonggao?

Dahui Zonggao was a 12th-century Chinese Chan master. Dahui was a student of Yuanwu Keqin and was the 12th generation of the Linji line of Chan. He was the dominant figure of the Linji school during the Song.

Dahui introduced the practice of concentration on the Hua Tou of a kung-an. This method was called the "Ch'an of kung-an introspection". Although he believed that koans were the best way to achieve enlightenment, he also recognized the teaching of Confucius and Lao-tzu as valuable.

Dahui was a vigorous critic of what he called the "heretical Ch'an of silent illumination" of the Caodong school.