Ji Gong

Tiger spring, the burial place of Ji Gong

Daoji (Chinese: 道濟, 22 December 1130 – 16 May 1209, born Li Xiuyuan), popularly known as Jigong (Chinese: 濟公), was a Chan master 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 for not following Buddhist monastic rules; he consumed 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.

Further reading

• Ji Gong, Wikipedia