Ji Gong
Ji Gong | |
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濟公 | |
A reclining statue of Ji Gong at Hupao Spring, his burial place | |
| Personal life | |
| Born | Li Xiuyuan 22 December 1130 |
| Died | 16 May 1209 (aged 78) |
| Home town | Tiantai County, Taizhou, Liangzhe, Southern Song |
| Parents |
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| Other names | Chan Master Daoji |
| Religious life | |
| Religion | Chan Buddhism |
| Temple | Lingyin Temple |
| Monastic name | Daoji |
| Senior posting | |
| Teacher | Huiyuan |
| Period in office | Southern Song |
| Ji Gong | |||||||||||||||||||
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| Traditional Chinese | 濟公 | ||||||||||||||||||
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| Chan Master Daoji | |||||||||||||||||||
| Traditional Chinese | 道濟禪師 | ||||||||||||||||||
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| Li Xiuyuan | |||||||||||||||||||
| Traditional Chinese | 李修緣 | ||||||||||||||||||
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Daoji (Chinese: 道濟, 22 December 1130 – 16 May 1209, born Li Xiuyuan), popularly known as Jigong (Chinese: 濟公), was a Chan Buddhist monk who lived in the Southern Song. He purportedly possessed supernatural powers through Buddhist practice, which he used to help the poor and stand up to injustice. However, he was also known for his wild and eccentric behavior and did not follow Buddhist monastic rules by consuming alcohol and meat. By the time of his death, Daoji had become a legend in Chinese culture and a deity in Chinese folk religion. He is mentioned by Buddhists in folktales and gong'an, and sometimes invoked by oracles to assist in worldly affairs.