Master Shiwu - Icon Profile | Alexandria
Master Shiwu (石屋, 1272-1352), also known as Shiwu Qinggong or Stone House, stands as one of the most enigmatic and influential Chan Buddhist masters of the late Yuan Dynasty, whose poetry and teachings continue to resonate through centuries of East Asian spiritual discourse. His unconventional approach to Buddhist practice and extraordinary verses earned him recognition as one of the "Three Great Masters" of the Yuan period, alongside Zhongfeng Mingben and Gaofeng Yuanmiao.
First mentioned in the "Records of Stone House" (石屋語錄), compiled by his disciples in the 14th century, Shiwu emerged during a tumultuous period when Mongol rule had transformed Chinese society. Born in Changshu, Jiangsu Province, he demonstrated an early affinity for Buddhist teachings, receiving ordination at age eleven at the Lingyin Temple. His subsequent decades of wandering and practice earned him the sobriquet "Stone House" after he spent extended periods meditating in mountain caves and simple stone shelters.
Shiwu's distinctive contribution to Chan Buddhism lies in his integration of literary artistry with profound spiritual insight. His collection of poems, "Songs of the Stone House" (石屋詩集), presents sophisticated metaphysical ideas through accessible, nature-inspired imagery. Unlike many contemporaries who rejected artistic expression as worldly attachment, Shiwu embraced poetry as a vehicle for awakening, developing what scholars later termed "literary Chan" (文字禪). His famous verse about "borrowing moonlight to read" exemplifies how he transformed mundane observations into profound spiritual teachings.
The master's influence extends well beyond religious circles, shaping Chinese literary traditions and environmental philosophy. Modern environmental activists have found inspiration in his ecological awareness and simple lifestyle, while contemporary poets continue to study his subtle integration of natural imagery with spiritual insight. Shiwu's legacy raises intriguing questions about the relationship between artistic expression and spiritual cultivation, challenging conventional distinctions between secular and sacred pursuits. His life and works remind us that profound wisdom often emerges from the simplest of dwellings, inviting modern readers to reconsider their own relationship with nature, art, and spiritual practice.