In the mid-twentieth century, Zen history research became popular with scholars. This began one of the most exciting Sino-Japanese exchanges in Buddhist history. One field that was particularly important to scholars was the relationship between early Nyioutou and Ciaoxyi Zen sects. Chinese scholar Hu Shi’s research was one of the most significant in this area. Probably his greatest work was in the discovery of Dao Xyian’s book, The Biographies of Eminent Monastics II, written in the Tang Dynasty and made no mention of the relationship between Nyioutou and Da Mo (Ciaoxyi) Zen. Japanese scholars Suzuki Daisetsu and Yujieng Boshou both believed Fa Riwueng was a disciple of Dao Xyien. Boshou even believed he had found evidence that cross-referenced this relationship. However, Japanese scholars Gwuankou Zhienda and Lyioutyian Shengshan both disputed the existence of this relationship. It was Master Yin-Shun’s research that finally confirmed there was no relationship between Nyioutou and Ciaoxyi Zen sects before Nyioutou Zen’s fifth generation. With this confirmation of no relationship before Nyioutou Zen’s fifth generation, scholars now begged the question of why and when Nyioutou and Ciaoxyi sects merged. Japanese scholar Gwuankou Zhienda and Chinese Master Yin-Shun both research the exchanges and relationships that resulted in this merge. The beginnings can be found with Emperor Daizwueng asking his primary advisor Ciaoxyi Master Nanyiang Hwueizhwueng if Nyioutou Master Ginshan Faqyien could also become his advisor. Then other relationships followed such as Nyioutou Master Hlyien Xyuanswu’s disciple Chaoan went to study Ciaoxyi philosophy with the prominent Master Mazwu Daoyi. Nyioutou Master Hwueighwueng’s Disciple Frwueng Xaiyu also became Master Mazwu Daoyi’s disciple. After that, Master Ginshan Faqyien’s disciples Fnyiou Zzai and Jyia Rhwuei went to study with Master Mazwu Daoyi. Ginshan Faqyien’s disciple Tyianhwuang Daowu visited Ciaoxyi Masters Mazwu Daoyi and Shtou Xyiqyian. Then Master Mazwu Daoyi’s disciple Xyitang Zhiziang went to study with Master Ginshan Faqyien and returned to his Ciaoxyi master shortly thereafter. Master Shtou Xyiqyian’s disciple Danxyia Tyian then visited Master Ginshan Faqyien and also returned to Master Shtou. This was followed by several other exchanges. The demise of Nyioutou Zen was due to the fact that when Nyioutou disciples went to study with Ciaoxyi Zen Masters, they did not return. However, Ciaoxyi disciples would quickly return to their Masters after studying Nyioutou Zen for a short period. This resulted in the strengthening of Ciaoxyi and the demise Nyioutou Zen, which finally dissipated. It was concluded that and an association was formed with a combination of Nyioutou and Ciaoxyi Zen sects.
