1001Philosophers

Linji Yixuan Quotes on Freedom

Linji Yixuan was a Chinese Chan Buddhist master of the late Tang dynasty and the founder of the Linji school, the dominant Chan and later Zen lineage in China, Korea, and Japan. This page collects quotes attributed to Linji Yixuan on the topic of freedom, drawn from across the philosopher's works.

Quotes

  • Attributed to Linji Yixuan:

    “If you meet the Buddha on the road, kill him.”

  • Attributed to Linji Yixuan:

    “Followers of the Way, there is no Buddha to seek, no Dharma to attain.”

  • Attributed to Linji Yixuan:

    “The true person of no rank stands in your face and speaks.”

  • Attributed to Linji Yixuan:

    “Wherever you stand, that is the very place; rest there.”