Wuyi Yuanlai was one of the most influential and yet largely neglected Zen Master during late Ming dynasty. He was proved to be a worthy successor to Caodong Master Xiaoshan Zongshu (1500-1567), Linshan Changzhong (1514-1588) and Wuming Huijing (1548-1618). And his way of teachings spread mostly at Jiangxi, Fujian and Guangdong provinces, and was disseminated to Anhui and Jingling in his old age and thus having great influences in the dissemination of Caodong overseas. This thesis aims to explore Yuanlai’s significant status in the history. The very first step is to build out his personal life history. Based on the study of Dr. Hasebe Yukei, this thesis collects all Yuanlai’s quotations around the world and studies them thoroughly under the assistance of other zen master’s quotations, Buddhist temple Gazetteers, local chronicles and books of other Ming literati. And hence work out the primary product of this thesis, the invaluable chronicle of Yuanlai life that set as the basis of the whole discussion. In whole, three central questions are addressed in this thesis. Firstly, by proposing and practicing his own way of Zen, Yuanlai created a unique style of Boshan Zen during his lifetime as to response to the severe society circumstances and the difficult positions of Buddhist during Ming dynasty. Under his efforts, Yuanlai recreated the collective memories and the way of practicing zen in the sangha. And hence bringing in a new breath of fresh air to the contemporary Caodong, and forming a unique school in Shouchang Zen. Secondly, Yuanlai’s religious thought, his unique way of meditation and chanting were discussed thoroughly. In the early days, Yuanlai’s pedagogy mainly focused on practicing meditation and investigating meditation topics. Whereas at his later period, he emphasized on chanting in accordance with different circumstances. We can see that although he always persisted to Caodong dharma system but still he could freely use different techniques in his career. Thirdly, this thesis discusses also the hidden dharma controversy over Yuanlai’s teaching in Shouchang school. But the fact that was beyond controversy was that there is no way to shift his status in the school. Lastly, the future developments of this research were stated in the last part of the thesis.
