Sixth Patriarch

The Sixth Patriarch, Huineng, was a key figure in Chan (Zen) Buddhism in China during the 7th-8th centuries. He is renowned for emphasizing direct realization of one's inherent enlightenment over ritual or intellectual study. His teachings encouraged practitioners to see their true nature in everyday life, highlighting sudden enlightenment and the importance of practice grounded in personal insight. Huineng’s influence helped shape the development of Zen Buddhism, making it more accessible and focused on experiential understanding rather than formal doctrine.