Monk Zhichao was a Buddhist practitioner whose life became closely associated with Mianshan, a mountain in central China’s Shanxi Province. According to traditional accounts, he earned a reputation for his devotion, endurance, and moral influence, even declining an invitation from Tang Dynasty founder Emperor Gaozu to reside at the imperial palace.

Monk Zhichao instead withdrew with his disciples to Mianshan, where he settled near Baofu Cliff and continued his spiritual cultivation. It was there that some of the most remarkable legends surrounding his life began to take shape.

Nearly 100 monks and disciples followed Monk Zhichao to Mianshan for a time. They had brought very little food — according to the legend, only six shi of wheat, using a traditional Chinese measure of grain. For so many people, the supply should have been exhausted quickly.

The disciples worried about what would happen once the grain ran out. Deep in the mountains, far from any marketplace, they wondered how everyone could continue their spiritual practice without enough food. Monk Zhichao remained calm and told them to continue chanting the scriptures, working, and cultivating as usual rather than worrying excessively about their provisions.

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