who was huineng

Key Takeaway: Huineng (慧能, traditionally dated 638–713 CE) is remembered in Chan lineages as the sixth patriarch.

Huineng (慧能). Huineng (慧能, traditionally dated 638–713 CE) is remembered in Chan lineages as the sixth patriarch. The Platform Sutra is traditionally associated with him, and his story is used to explain sudden awakening (頓悟 / dunwu) in contrast with gradual cultivation.

In the tradition of Zen Buddhism, as transmitted through the teachings of masters from Bodhidharma to Dogen, Huineng (慧能, traditionally dated 638–713 CE) is remembered in Chan lineages as the sixth patriarch.

— Oriens