The Zen rebels: obscure hermits and existential reformers. Zishou Miaozong (part 6)

(The image above is from the public domain and unrelated. Yet, I feel it portrays aspects of this article re: Zishou Miaozong)

The truly unique and obscure female Zen Master Zishou Miaozong, who existed within the golden time of Zen as the Song Dynasty maintained its influences through the South and North of China.  There is more of a patch work in regards to historical accounts of this Zen Master as the original cannon of her Dhama talks are lost.  What has been handed down is various stories, myth or otherwise of her great ability to undone a Koan delivered to her by the male monks and Masters at the time.   She studied under the great Linji (Jpn: Rinzai) Zen master Dahui Zonggao who she met in 1137, after he had fled the North of China (due to invading Jurchens) residing in the South where he encouraged that the Linji School to be a true representation of Zen, through its rigorous Koan awakenings, rather than the Caodong (Jpn: Sōtō ) of Silent Illumination zen approach to attain enlightenment.

What I think is important about the history of Ch'an and the Zen linage is that discovery of the more obscure Zen Masters, it is with this etching out some of the key, in my opinion, existential reformers, that we see the transmission become more captivating over time.  The captivation is the hidden, the unknown.  Which all accounts for the Zen perspective to study this reality and to discern it as a only moments in time.  In turn, this is where we find the hidden gems or as represented in a Koan riddle itself; the rough stones who continued to hand down and contribute to the Dhama transmissions throughout the centuries.  And women, the female Zen masters, played an important role in reflecting the paradox of Zen beliefs; to unburden the mind of conscious thought and all of its suffering. 

As mentioned, there is very little known about Miaozong, even imagery is extremely scarce.  But, we know she existed within the Song period as it was documented in Discourse Records of the time, more so the dialogue between her and her master Dhaui Zonggao – and her continued discussions with other Masters and monks within that period as very prolific, beyond just a reference point in time.  The relevancy to Miazong as a female Zen Master, that in turn was extended by Dogen (1200-1253), the great Japanese Sōtō Master as he encouraged an appreciation of allowing woman to become Zen Masters in Japanese culture and also participate in all facets of both Zen schools.  That is very much to the credit of Dahui Zonggao, the Chinese Zen Master, who at that time, incorporated many women into the monasteries to study Zen and become nuns.

What made Miaozong stand out and maintain a rebellious nature in the lineage of Chinese Zen, was her ability, and one would be careful to say that she outsmarted the male Zen masters and monks – rather, she set a precedence of a Koan paradox in which makes her particularly unique, as a female adherent to the Zen beliefs.  Is that she used her sexuality as her mainstay. 

Zishou Miaozong, who from what little we know about her history came from a privileged background, decided to investigate  Zen and the two schools at the time, one being the Caodong and eventually settling with the Linji School.  She had already shown a remarkably insight into the self, able to question the Zen Masters as a novice with the Zen teachings.  It gives her a rawness and intensity which in turn allured a lot of the male Zen monks and masters.  Yet, she was secluded at the Dahui's Ching-san monastery.   Among other female disciples within the monastery,  Miaozong was considered the most beautiful.   She could be already, as defined by the Zen teachings of the Non-self, already enlightened - as she may have detached herself from being confined by her beauty, whilst aware of her sexual prowess.      

"Wanan who served as Dahui's Senior Monk at Dahui's monastery on Ching-san  Was aware that Dahui had seven women disciples, and it was known that Miaozong was the most beautiful. Before she had become a nun, Dahui allowed her to stay at the abbot's quarters. The head monk Wanan had his doubts of Miaozong. 

Dahui  said to his senior Monk," Even though she is a woman, she has strengths." Wanan still did not approve. Dahui then insisted that he should interview her. Wanan then sent a message that he would go and see her. 

Miaozong said, "Will you make this a dharma interview or a worldly interview?" The head monk replied, "A dharma interview." 

Miaozong said: "Then let your attendants depart..." She went in first and then called to him. "...Please come in." When he came past the curtain he saw Miaozong laying face upward on the bed naked. 

He pointed to her vagina and said, "What kind of place is this?" 

Miaozong replied, "All of the Buddhas of the three worlds and the six patriarchs and all the great monks everywhere - they all come out from within this." 

Wanan said, "And would you let me enter, or not?" 

Miaozong replied, "It allows horses to cross; it does not allow asses to cross."  Wanan said nothing, and Miaozong declared: "The interview with the Senior Monk is ended." 

She then turned over revealing her naked behind. 

Wanan, confused at her presentation, left in embarrassment. Wanan came before Dahui, who said, "It is certainly not the case that the lioness does not have any insight."

Wanan bowed gracefully acknowledging what had occurred."   

She was offering insight that is beyond words.   Purely a physical description of what the head monk may or may not have been offered.  That sex is temporary and so are its attachments.  But, not immoral in all of its manifestations.