Early Life and Buddhist Training Born in 1247 in Linhai, Taizhou, Zhejiang, China, Yishan Yining begins his life under the family name Hu. He enters a monastery as a boy, beginning a rigorous period of study into various Buddhist doctrines. His early path follows the Tiantai school, but this focus shifts as he turns toward Chan Buddhism. This transition marks a fundamental change in his spiritual direction. The training intensifies through a series of tutors. Eventually, Yishan Yining becomes the Dharma heir of Wanji Singmi, who was the fourth lineage holder of Mi'an Xianji. This lineage co…