Sengcan, whose birth and death dates are unknown, died around 606 AD. He was a renowned Buddhist monk and litterateur in ancient China, known for his contributions to Buddhist culture and literary creation, particularly for his famous collection of Buddhist fables, 'The hundred analogies'.
Huineng (638-713), also known as the Sixth Ancestor of Chan Buddhism in the Tang Dynasty, was a native of Xinhui, Guangdong. He was a highly influential figure in the history of Chan Buddhism and was revered as the Sixth Ancestor. His life was full of legends, and it is said that he received the robe and bowl from the Fifth Ancestor Hongren under his guidance, becoming the successor of Chan Buddhism. Huineng advocated 'not establishing texts, transmitting outside the teachings', emphasizing 'enlightenment through seeing one's nature'. This thought had a profound impact on the development of Chan Buddhism in later generations.
Bodhidharma, also known as Daruma, is one of the founders of Chan Buddhism (Zen). He is believed to be from South India and is venerated as the 'First Patriarch of Chan in the East'. His life story is largely mythologized, and his exact birth and death dates are unknown.
Rajneesh, originally named Chandra Mohan Jain, was an Indian spiritual teacher and writer. Born on December 11, 1931, and passed away on January 19, 1990, he is known for his unique teachings and lifestyle that attracted followers from around the world.
Shunryu Suzuki, born on May 18, 1904, was a renowned Zen master from Japan. He played a significant role in spreading Zen culture in the Western world.
Thubten Yeshe was a significant figure in the mid-20th century who had a profound impact on the spread of Tibetan Buddhism. Born in 1935 and passing away on March 3, 1984, Thubten Yeshe is renowned for his role in introducing Buddhism to the Western world.
Dogen was a Japanese Zen master born in January 1200 and died on September 22, 1253. He was the founder of the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism in Japan and had a profound influence on the development of Zen Buddhism. Dogen advocated 'Zen is life,' emphasizing the close connection between Zen practice and everyday life, and his thoughts had a wide impact on Japanese culture.
Peter O'Donnell, a British writer, was born on April 11, 1920, in London, and passed away on May 3, 2010. He is renowned for his detective novels, with the 'Humphrey Clinker' series being his most famous work.
Jiddu Krishnamurti was an Indian philosopher, speaker, and writer who lived from May 12, 1895, to February 17, 1986. He is known for his teachings on the nature of the mind, consciousness, and the path to enlightenment. Krishnamurti emphasized the importance of self-inquiry and the transformation of consciousness, and his work has had a significant impact on individuals from various walks of life.
Geshe Kelsang Gyatso is a distinguished Tibetan Buddhist teacher and author, born in 1931. He is recognized for his extensive teachings and writings on the Buddhist path, particularly within the New Kadampa Tradition.