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Master Ji Gong was also known as Daoji, and in His youth as Xiuyuan. From a young age, He displayed extraordinary intelligence. He mastered the Confucian classics, Buddhist sutras, and Taoist scriptures, while also excelling in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. Had He chosen to pursue the imperial examinations instead of the monastic path, He would almost certainly have risen to the highest ranks in government. Upon His arrival at Lingyin Temple in Hangzhou, China, the abbot, Elder Master Yuankong (vegetarian), immediately recognized Daoji’s exceptional spiritual destiny. Later, when the elder awakened His innate Buddha Nature, Daoji experienced a sudden and profound realization. To conceal His enlightenment, He began deliberately acting eccentrically, appearing as “mad” to avoid attention. In Buddhist tradition, this is sometimes viewed as a form of skillful means (upāya) – a compassionate strategy employed by enlightened beings to teach others in ways that are effective and unobtrusive. At the monastery, Ji Gong’s playful antics and non-conforming ways puzzled many monks. He sat in strange meditation postures, muttered to Himself, and behaved in ways that led others to call Him the “Crazy Monk.” Although Ji Gong’s behavior often caused an uproar, His Master understood His true Heavenly Nature and once exclaimed, “The Gate of Buddhism is so vast! Why is this crazy monk not forgiven?” Beneath His eccentric exterior was a sincere cultivator walking an unconventional yet authentic spiritual path. However, after Master Yuankong passed away, Ji Gong was eventually expelled from Lingyin Temple. Master Ji Gong wandered the world appearing foolish and carefree, yet behind this disguise, He quietly saved countless lives and spread the true teachings of the Buddha. Touched by His charitable deeds and unconditional love, people came to revere Him as Ji Gong, the Living Buddha. One day, as Master Ji Gong was walking toward Lingyin Temple, He sensed that a nearby mountain was about to collapse onto a village. He rushed over and warned the residents to flee, but they laughed and dismissed His words as the ramblings of a crazy monk. Master Ji Gong noticed a wedding procession in progress. Without hesitation, He picked up the bride, slung her over His shoulders, and ran out of town. The bewildered groom and wedding procession frantically chased after Him, and soon the whole village followed in pursuit. Just as they passed through the village gate, the mountain peak collapsed, obliterating the village in an instant. Amid the chaos, Ji Gong also noticed a young girl who had fallen behind. A massive boulder was hurtling toward her. With a swift motion, He aimed His palm at the boulder and stopped it with His powers, saving the little girl’s life. Thanks to Ji Gong’s extraordinary intervention, everyone was spared. In His later years, Ji Gong resided at Jingci Temple, where He was appointed a scribe monk. It was here that another celebrated story of Ji Gong’s supernatural abilities was born.
