How the Mount Wutai cult stimulated the development of Chinese Chan in southern China at Qingliang monasteries

A study challenges the long-held perception that Mount Wutai's influence on Chinese Chan Buddhism was marginal, revealing instead its significant role in shaping southern Chan practices. The research demonstrates that four Qingliang monasteries in southern China preserved and disseminated a distinct 'Qingliang cult,' characterized by unique teachings and practices that blur traditional distinctions between Chan and other Buddhist schools. By analyzing core Chan sources and monastic records, the study highlights how Mount Wutai's legacy extended beyond its northern sacred site, influencing southern lineages like Linji and Caodong through narratives of celebrated patriarchs. This finding reshapes our understanding of Chan Buddhism's development, emphasizing its southern roots while acknowledging northern influences.

Keyworth, G. A. (2021). How the Mount Wutai cult stimulated the development of Chinese Chan in southern China at Qingliang monasteries. What Happened after Mañjuśrī Migrated to China?, 89–112. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003206514-6