Master Hongyi

Before the age of 39,hewas a pioneer of modern Chinese art and culture—a master of calligraphy, an expert in seal carving, a poet of refined verse, and a virtuoso of music. He edited China's first music journal and is regarded as the father of Chinese oil painting."By the pavilion long, the ancient roadside..."—his timeless masterpiece"Songbie (Farewell)" remains beloved to this day. He was the renowned Li Shutong.

After39,hetook monastic vows at Hangzhou's Hupao Temple, becoming Master Hongyi. Over the next two decades, he ascended as a revered Buddhist patriarch, honored by disciples as theEleventh Patriarchof the Vinaya School.