Master Hsu Yun - Icon Profile | Alexandria
Master Hsu Yun (Empty Cloud) (1840-1959) stands as one of the most remarkable and influential Chan Buddhist masters of modern China, whose extraordinary lifespan of 119 years bridged the twilight of imperial China and the dawn of the modern era. Also known as Deqing, he earned the sobriquet "Empty Cloud" due to his wandering lifestyle and profound understanding of emptiness, though some scholars debate the exact details of his early life and legendary longevity.
First emerging into historical record during the Daoguang period of the Qing Dynasty, Hsu Yun's life is documented primarily through his autobiography and the accounts of his disciples. Born into a wealthy family in Fujian Province, he fled an arranged marriage at age 19 to pursue monastic life, marking the beginning of a spiritual journey that would span three centuries. The turbulent period of his early practice coincided with the Taiping Rebellion and the gradual decline of the Qing Dynasty, lending his teachings a unique perspective on impermanence and social transformation.
Hsu Yun's influence grew exponentially during the Republican period (1912-1949), when he became known as the "revival master" for his crucial role in rejuvenating Chinese Buddhism. His restoration of numerous monasteries, including the famous Nanhua Temple, and his integration of various Buddhist traditions helped preserve classical Chan practice during a period of unprecedented social upheaval. Perhaps most intriguingly, he developed innovative methods for teaching meditation to lay practitioners, adapting ancient wisdom for modern sensibilities while maintaining the essence of Chan tradition.
The master's legacy continues to shape contemporary Buddhism, particularly through his emphasis on the unity of Chan and Pure Land practices and his influence on Western Buddhist movements. His reported ability to survive severe hardships, including a near-fatal beating at age 112 by Communist guards, has become emblematic of spiritual resilience. Modern scholars and practitioners still grapple with the implications of his teaching that "every day is a good day," even in the face of tremendous adversity. Hsu Yun's life raises compelling questions about the intersection of traditional spirituality and modernization, and the potential for ancient wisdom to address contemporary challenges.