About Xutang Zhiyu
Lived 1185 – 1269 (aged 83–84). Xutang Zhiyu was a Chinese buddhist monk.
Xutang Zhiyu 虚堂智愚 (Japanese Kido Chigu, nickname Sokkō) (1185–1269) was a Chinese Chan-monk who gave dharma-transmission to Nanpo Shōmyō (1235–1308), the founder of the Japanese Rinzai Zen Ōtōkan-lineage. His style of koan practice was admired and emulated by Hakuin Ekaku, and today it's the only existing line of dharma-transmission in Japanese Rinzai Zen.
Writings The Record of Empty Hall, a collection of hundred koans with commentaries from Xutang Zhiyu
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Important facts
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Contemporaries
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Xutang Zhiyu?
Chinese Chan-monk
When was Xutang Zhiyu born?
Xutang Zhiyu was born in 1185.
When did Xutang Zhiyu die?
Xutang Zhiyu died in 1269.
What was Xutang Zhiyu's occupation?
Xutang Zhiyu was a buddhist monk.
What nationality was Xutang Zhiyu?
Xutang Zhiyu was Chinese.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Xutang Zhiyu. https://biography.guide/xutang-zhiyu/
MLA: "Xutang Zhiyu." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/xutang-zhiyu/.
Chicago: "Xutang Zhiyu." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/xutang-zhiyu/.
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