The “Resurrection” of Yongming Yanshou in Ming Dynasty China: The Yongming Stūpa at Jingci Monastery

Abstract

Yongming Yanshou 永明延壽 (904–975) lived in the tenth century, between the Tang and Song dynasties. His life and thought came to represent pivotal aspects of Buddhism in a transitional period in Chinese history. The meaning and significance of Yanshou’s life to the Buddhist community has been subject to ongoing debate, depicted through the ongoing evolution of his images. In this study, I review the different ways Yanshou’s image was cast, as “Promoter of Blessings” (xingfu 興福), as “Chan Patriarch” (chanzu 禪祖), and as “Pure Land Patriarch” (jingtu zu 淨土祖) and bodhisattva assisting those seeking rebirth in the Pure Land. I focus on the resurrection of Yanshou’s image in the Ming dynasty, through the rediscovery of his lost remains, the rebuilding of the Yongming Stūpa 永明塔 to inter them, and the identification of Yanshou as an incarnation of the Buddha Amitābha. This was the work of the abbot Dahuo, and leading Ming officials, Yu Chunxi and Huang Ruheng. The current revival of the Yongming Stūpa, following the destruction of the Cultural Revolution, and the cult of worshippers devoted to it is predicated on these Ming dynasty developments.