Wulong Shaokang

Wulong Shaokang (烏龍少康, 736–806) was a Chinese Buddhist monk in the Tang Dynasty, considered the Fifth Patriarch of the Pure Land School in Chinese Buddhism and in Japanese Jōdo-shū. He was later given the sobriquet "Later Shandao" for his influence in Chinese Pure Land Buddhism due to his devotion to Buddha-recitation (念佛, Nianfo). Shaokang eventually came to be regarded as a reincarnation of Shandao.

According to traditional biographies, as a young child, Shaokang reportedly faced a mysterious inability to speak. His first words came during a visit to Lingshan Temple (灵山寺), where, upon seeing a Buddha image, he uttered, “Shakyamuni Buddha.” His parents, astonished, interpreted this as an indication of latent spiritual roots, prompting them to encourage his entry into monastic life. At age seven, he took initial vows, beginning his life as a monk. By fifteen, he had fully ordained at Jiaxiang Temple (嘉祥寺) in Yuezhou, demonstrating remarkable skill in studying the sutras and śāstras, including the Lotus Sutra, Surangama Sutra and Avatamsaka Sutra. While in Guangming Monastery in Chang’an, Shaokang saw Shandao's commemorative image rise into the air and declare to him that "if you carry out my teaching and benefit sentient beings, you will definitely be reborn in the Land of Bliss.” Many Pure Land Buddhists also regard him as an incarnation of Shandao, while some view him as a manifestation of Amitābha Buddha himself.

Master Shaokang's life and teachings illustrate a distinctive synthesis of Pure Land devotion, practical outreach, and spiritual discipline. Through his enduring influence, he strengthened the Pure Land tradition in China, fostering a legacy that inspired subsequent generations of Pure Land adherents. Each year, his parinirvāṇa (rebirth) is commemorated on the 3rd day of the tenth lunar month, reflecting his lasting spiritual impact on Chinese Buddhism.