About Linji Yixuan's life, so far the best study is still Yanagida Seizan's articles written in the 1950s to 1970s. With the works of Yanagida and other scholars as a basis, this article further examines the hagiographical materials in the transmitted Chan literature and distinguishes earlier, relatively reliable sources from later modifications and additions. In addition, this article finds some relevant stele inscriptions and historical records outside of the Chan literature. Supported by solid and new sources, this article makes a detailed study on Linji's life and provides a more reliable and comprehensive biographical narrative.
