In recent studies on the history of Chan Buddhism, scholars have shown particular interest in Northern Song Chan. Many scholars have observed that the Yunmen lineage, which declined during the early Southern Song Dynasty, actually experienced a period of prominence in the Northern Song Dynasty. Alongside the Linji lineage, it played a significant role in driving the development of Chan Buddhism. This article builds upon previous research and highlights the vital contribution of literary Yunmen Chan monks in this progression. After examining the geographic distribution of Chan lineages during the Northern Song Dynasty, this study discovered that the Yunmen lineage, originally established in Hunan and Hubei in the early eleventh century, underwent a notable migration to Chan temples in Jiangxi and Zhejiang around 1020. Considering the Song Dynasty's practice of government-appointed abbots in most Chan temples, this migration can be interpreted as an indication that the Yunmen lineage began gaining favor from local officials in Jiangxi and Zhejiang. This development is likely attributed to the Yunmen monks' adeptness in interacting with scholar-bureaucrats, primarily due to their increasing mastery and refinement of literary techniques. Among the notable figures, Xuedu Chongxian (980-1052) emerged as a pioneer in the Yunmen lineage's expansion towards the east. Mingjiao Qisong (1007-1072), who succeeded Chongxian, garnered recognition in the literary circles of Jiangsu and Zhejiang due to his exceptional profi ciency in classical prose. The activity of Yunmen monks in the southeastern region caught the attention of Emperor Renzong. In 1049, the emperor extended an invitation to another Yunmen monk, Dajue Huailian (1010-1092), to the capital. Huailian swiftly assimilated into the intellectual circle of the capital through his distinctive preaching style and remarkable literary prowess. By this time, Northern Song Chan had firmly established its presence in the capital and was entering its heyday. Consequently, the growing literary proficiency of Yunmen monks emerged as a significant driving force behind the rise of Northern Song Chan, warranting further scholarly investigation and attention.
