Guan Xiu (832–912) was a Buddhist monk, poet, painter, and calligrapher. His courtesy name was Deyin. He was born into the Jiang family. He was also known as Chanyue Dashi. His registered native place was Lanxi. His birthplace was Denggao li.
Life
As a child, he was ordained under Yuanzhen at He'an Temple in Jinhua, and he later practiced meditation on Mount Wuxie in eastern Zhejiang. He first studied with the Chan master Wuxiang, then went to Kaiyuan Temple in Hongzhou to hear lectures on the Lotus Sutra and the Awakening of Faith in Mahayana. After entering Shu, he was granted the title Chanyue Dashi by Wang Jian, the ruler of Shu.
Poetry, Painting, and Calligraphy
He was known for poetry and painting and was also accomplished in literary composition. He counted Xiumu, Chumo, and Qiyin among his poetry friends. He presented poems and prose to Qian Liu, Fang Gan, Luo Yin, Wei Zhuang, and Wang Jian. He excelled at Buddhist images, especially ink-wash arhats. He was also skilled in seal, clerical, and cursive script; his distinctive manner was known as the “Jiang style.”
Works
His works include the Xiyue ji; the title Chanyue ji is also associated with him.
References
- CBDB Shi Guanxiu (94183)
- 法鼓佛教人名规范数据库 貫休 (A005200)
- Wikidata Guan Xiu (Q3118758)