About Yunyan Tansheng
Lived 780 – 841 (aged 60–61). Yunyan Tansheng was a Chinese buddhist monk.
Appearance in Kōan
A number of kōan dialogues feature Yunyan and his fellow student Daowu Yuanzhi. Case 54 of the Book of Equanimity, Case 89 of the Blue Cliff Record, case 105 from Dōgen's Shinji Shōbōgenzō, and the chapter "Kannon" from Dōgen's Kana Shōbōgenzō, and all involve the same story in which Yunyan and Daowu discuss the purpose of Avalokiteśvara's many hands and eyes. The precise intention of the story varies with each version.
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Important facts
Related people
Same field, nearest in time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Yunyan Tansheng's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Yunyan Tansheng?
Chinese zen master
When was Yunyan Tansheng born?
Yunyan Tansheng was born in 780 in Jianchang County.
When did Yunyan Tansheng die?
Yunyan Tansheng died in 841.
What was Yunyan Tansheng's occupation?
Yunyan Tansheng was a buddhist monk.
What nationality was Yunyan Tansheng?
Yunyan Tansheng was Chinese.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Yunyan Tansheng. https://biography.guide/yunyan-tansheng/
MLA: "Yunyan Tansheng." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/yunyan-tansheng/.
Chicago: "Yunyan Tansheng." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/yunyan-tansheng/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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