Zhēnzài 真在, hào Shānduó 山鐸 (“Mountain-Bell”), biézì Yúnān 筠庵 (“Bamboo-Shoot Hut”). LínjìYángqí 32nd-generation dharma-heir of Jièān Wùjìn 介菴悟進 (1612–1673) — thus a co-disciple of Sāntǎ Zhǔfēng 圓法 (cf. KR6q0532) and Huánglián Dōngyán 真璨 (cf. KR6q0533). Born 明天啟辛酉 11/19 = 1621-12-31 Gregorian; died 康熙壬子 9/15 辰時 = 1672-11-04, age 52, sēnglà 28. Native of Jiāngzhōu Déhuàxiàn Sāngluò 江州德化縣桑落 (Jiǔjiāng region, Jiāngxī); lay surname Lǐ 李.
Formation. Parents died early. Took tonsure at Dōnglínsì 東林寺 (Lúshān) under elder Zìzhēn 自真 — the latter, the qísù of Dōnglín, was reluctant to tonsure others. While reading the Gāofēng yǔlù doubted the “tuō sǐshī” 拖死屍 (dragging the corpse) phrase. Wandered through many monasteries. Final entry into the room of Jièān Wùjìn — recognized at first sight as if from old acquaintance — broke through after several exchanges and was sealed with the yuánliú (lineage chart).
Abbacies. Lúshān Dōnglín Xīnglóngyuàn 廬山東林興龍禪院 (Jiǔjiāng); ChǔQí Huáguì Néngrénsì 楚蘄華桂能仁寺 (Húběi); Huángān Bìyúnshān Lóngxīng chányuàn 黃安碧雲山龍興禪院.
Disciples. Major fǎsì include Tiānzé Néng 天則能, Yǐshān Wén 以山聞 (also 以山電), Shíyuán Jīyún 機雲 石源機雲, Huìyuè Zhìxù 晦岳智旭 Huìyuè (the Línjì-lineage master, NOT to be confused with the famous Ŏuyì Zhìxù), Jīnéng 機能, and others.
Death. Predicted his death seven months ahead. On 9/8 entered town to take leave of the lay community and other elders; 9/11 returned to the mountain; 9/12 mounted the dharma-seat and gave final instructions; 9/15 at the chén hour bathed, lit incense, sat, wrote a jì, and passed.
Works.
- 《徑石滴乳集》 KR6q0255 — five-juan Chán-lineage biographical anthology compiled by Zhēnzài and continued (xù) by his dharma-heir Shíyuán Jīyún 機雲.
- KR6q0534 《山鐸真在禪師語錄》 1 juan, J38 B414, recorded by his dharma-heirs Jīyún 機雲 and Huìyuè Zhìxù 智旭.
Sources. 《山鐸真在禪師語錄》 vol. 1 〈行狀〉; 《五燈全書》 vol. 81; 《徑石滴乳集》 vol. 5.