Shao-k'ang

A Dictionary of Buddhism | 2004 | 700+ words | Copyright

Shao-k'ang (d. 805). A Chinese monk of the T'ang dynasty who is commonly regarded as the fifth patriarch (Chin., tsu) of the Pure Land tradition. He joined the monastic order (Saṃgha) as a young boy, and studied the literature of Chinese Buddhism before moving to the capital city of Lo-yang, where he continued Shan-tao's (613–81) activities of preaching and converting people to Pure Land practice. He is famous for taking the money he received during his begging rounds and giving it out to young children in the street for reciting the name of the Buddha Amitābha just once. He later established a temple dedicated to Pure Land practice, and left behind one short work of poems of praise.

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DAMIEN KEOWN. "Shao-k'ang." A Dictionary of Buddhism. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. 27 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

DAMIEN KEOWN. "Shao-k'ang." A Dictionary of Buddhism. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. (May 27, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O108-Shaokang.html

DAMIEN KEOWN. "Shao-k'ang." A Dictionary of Buddhism. 2004. Retrieved May 27, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O108-Shaokang.html

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