There had been a great number of discussions on the difference between the styles of Linji and Caodong sects. This is not the focus of this essay. On the contrary, by quoting related sutras and lections, this essay aims to analyze the Ch'an Buddhist's thinking of Linji Yixuan and Dongshan Liangjie with the purpose of finding their shared views on Buddhism. By revealing the two masters' common views on Ch'an Buddhism, this essay may help beginners comprehend the essence of Chinese Ch'an teaching. The main ideas of this essay include the following: (1) The Ch'an theory taught by both of the Ch'an Buddhist masters, Linji Yixuan and Dongshan Liangjie, is based on the theory of "emptiness", namely "seeing everything as emptiness". The so-called non-dependence, non-position, and mindless are relevant concepts for interpreting the theory. (2) By teaching the theory of "seeing everything as emptiness" and focusing on the significance of "mind" in Buddhist practice, the two masters made interpretations on "non-pursuing", "idleness", "mind not attached to nonego" and "mindless" to reveal their perception of the essence of the existing world, namely "all things are essentially empty". To carry on the mission of enlightening sentient beings, they also made efforts to advise the followers to focus on the dharma practice of the expedients for eliminating delusory thought and Samskara. (3)Inheriting the legacy of Chinese Ch'an Buddhism, the two Ch'an masters shared the same understanding on the difference between vocal teaching and self-searching, and the the co-relation between them. They argued that the apperception of the essence of the Ch'an Buddhism depended on not saying or thinking the "emptiness" but practicing and experiencing the "emptiness".
