Publish Date:2023-04-16
Yes, it does. In the 8th century the School was divided into two subsects, named the Northern Sect and the Southern Sect. The Northern Sect headed by Shenxiu, which advocated gradual cultivation, was in fashion for a time, but declined before long. While the Southern Sect headed by Hui Neng, who advocated Immediate Enlightenment and was venerated as the 6th Patriarch by later generations, became prosperous and carried on. From the Tang Dynasty to the Song Dynasty, masters in the lineage of the Southern Sect succeeded one after another. Over the course of 3-4 centuries, it further branched into 5 subsects and 7 subgroups, which gives some indication of how the school flourished. This school, like the Pure Land School, has flourished long and wide in China. (From Essentials of Buddhism: Questions and Answers)
Hot News