A Pictoral Biography 
of the Venerable Master
 
HSU YUN

Continued from issues 60, 61, 62

Composed by the Venerable Master Hua

Illustrated by at student of Prajna
Translated by Disciple Bhiksu Heng Yo

TRAINS UNDER THE CH’AN RULES OF THE PRAJNA HALL #29

At that time the Venerable Master Ching gave instructions to the Master to develop his understanding. The Venerable Ching was over eighty years of age, maintained the moral code strictly, was conversant with the Teachings, and had penetrated the practice of Ch'an meditation. He would often have the Master ascend the sutra-explaining seat. Since it was beneficial to visit other monasteries, he told the Master to go to Kuo Ch'ing Dhyana Monastery, and participate in the Ch'an system of meditation practiced there, and to go to Fang Kuang Monastery to study the Dharma Flower Sutra. From the ages of thirty-four to thirty-five, the Master stayed at Kuo Ch'ing Monastery, and studied the teachings of the sutras. On occasions he would go to Miao An to visit the Venerable Master Ching.

The Gatha says:

The assembly of the ten directions gathers in the Prajna Hall,

Practicing the unconditioned

to see the king of natures.

Within the Buddha Selection Hall,

they are tested for success;

He who attains the mind's emptiness is ranked as number one.