Poshan Haiming
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Through East Asia and North America
Early life and monastic beginnings
Poshan Haiming was born on 8 March 1597, in Dazhu County, Sichuan, during the late Ming dynasty (1368–1644), to Jian Hong (蹇弘), a descent from a prominent Ming dynasty official Jian Yi (蹇义). His ancestral home was in Ba County (now in Chongqing). He was given the secular name Jian Dongyu (蹇栋宇). At age 19, disillusioned with worldly life, he renounced his family and was ordained under Chan master Dachi (大持) at the Jiangjia Temple (姜家庵) in his home-county, receiving the monastic name Haiming (海明) and the art name Xudong (旭东). He initially studied the Śūraṅgama Sūtra but was plagued by doubts. This prompted a journey across China, he visited sacred sites like Sizu Temple in Hubei and engaging in rigorous meditation at Potou Mountain (破头山).
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Ascetic practices
For years, Poshan Haiming secluded himself on Potou Mountain, embracing extreme asceticism. During this period, he adopted the name "Poshan" (破山; 'Breaking Mountain'), symbolizing both his location and the shattering of delusions. In a transformative incident, he fell from a cliff, severely injuring his leg. The intense pain provoked a profound awakening, deepening his understanding of Chan principles. He later studied under Miyun Yuanwu at the Jinsu Temple in Zhejiang. Their "mind-to-mind seal" confirmed him as a legitimate heir of the Caoxi lineage, solidifying his role in the Linji school.
Teaching career
In 1629, Poshan Haiming began his teaching career at Dongta Temple in Zhejiang, where he compiled discourses and attracted disciples. By 1632, he returned to Sichuan, presiding over major temples like Wanffng Temple and Taiping Temple. His sermons drew followers from Yunnan, Guizhou, and beyond. In 1653, with support from general Yao Yulin (姚玉麟) , he established Shuanggui Temple in Liangping. According to legend, two laurel trees gifted by his teacher symbolized the site's sanctity. The temple became the "Leading Temple of Southwest China".
Death
On 19 April 1666, Poshan Haiming died at Shuanggui Temple at age 70. He ordained over 100 disciples and authorized 87 dharma heirs, spreading his teachings across East Asia and North America.
Future reading
- Xiong Shaohua (熊少华) (2019). 破山禅师评传 [Critical Biography of Chan Master Poshan Haiming]. Chongqing: Chongqing Publishing House. ISBN 9787229140908.