“顽石点头”（“Wán Shí Diǎn Tóu”）：Powerful Persuasion Makes a Rock Give Way.
Definition: The idiom “Wán Shí Diǎn Tóu” denotes that one’s explanation is so persuasive and lucid that it can make even a lifeless stone nod in approval. In the phrase, “Shí” (“stone”) is used to refer to a most imperceptive or stubborn man. The phrase describes the compelling clarity of an argument or explanation from a true expert that makes the profound clear and comprehensible.
Historical figures: Shenggong refers to the eminent monk and exegetical master Zhu Daosheng of the late Jin Dynasty. Born with the surname Wei, he later changed his surname to Zhu which was the family name of his master Zhu Fatai from Tianzhu (ancient India). Wei was thus respectfully referred to as “Sheng Gong” (“Master Sheng”).
Origin: This idiom takes it origin from “Biography of Sheng Gong” in Lian She Gao Xian Zhuan (The Biographies of the Noble Ones of the Lotus Society) compiled by an unknown writer in Jin Dynasty. The record reads, “After the Master was expelled from the community, he traveled south and retreated to Tiger Hill Mountain. There, he gathered stones around him as his disciples.
As he expounded the Nirvana Sutra and reached the part about the icchantika (those so devoid of good roots that they were said to lack Buddha-nature), he asserted that even they possessed the Buddha-nature. He then asked the stones, “Does what I say accord with the Buddha’s mind?” At this, all the stones nodded as if in agreement. Within ten days, a great assembly of learners had gathered around him.”
Master Daosheng, known to the world as Sheng Gong, was one of the four renowned disciples of the great Master Kumārajīva. He was apt at learning and highly insightful. As Song Shu (The Book of Song) documented, “Since childhood, Daosheng was bright and perceptive. At the age of fifteen, he had already been able to expound the scriptures. As he grew older, he developed his own interpretations and established the doctrine of ‘sudden enlightenment.’ This doctrine earned him widespread admiration and respect among his contemporaries.” Thus Daosheng became a celebrated monk of the Northern and Southern Dynasties period.
Master Sheng engaged himself in the in-depth study of Buddhist teachings and held unique insights into the Dharma. However, his interpretations were rejected by the orthodox scholars during his days. Confronted with opposition from the northern literati, he was eventually denounced and expelled from the capital. Since then, the master began to roam freely for years. He traveled through much of northern China, visiting renowned monastic masters and seeking out fellow practitioners to discuss the Dharma. Yet, to his dismay, none of them agreed with his views.
Master Sheng had no choice but to leave the north and journey south to study and preach. When he arrived in Suzhou and lectured on the scriptures at Tiger Hill, many people came to listen.
However, his interpretations met similar rejection from the southern literati, who eventually drove away all his listeners, forbidding them from attending his lectures again. Master Sheng did not mind what had happened to him and continued his teachings undeterred. He turned to the stones at the foot of Tiger Hill, addressing them as his disciples. He tirelessly expounded the Nirvana Sutra day after day. Firm in his belief that all beings possessed the potential for Buddhahood, he spoke fervently even to these lifeless rocks. His throat grew dry from speaking, and when he reached the passage stating that even the most wicked could attain Buddhahood, he asked the rocks, “Do you think my interpretation aligns with the true meaning of the Nirvana Sutra?” At that moment, one of the rocks seemed to nod slightly, as if it could understand his words and express its agreement. This huge rock is the very “Nodding Stone” we see today at Tiger Hill. It was then in the depths of winter, yet the white lotuses in the pond came into full bloom, and the pond brimmed with water, which gave rise to the sayings, “When Daosheng came, the pond was full; when Daosheng left, the pond went dry,” and “When Master Sheng preached, even the stubborn stones nodded.”
This marvel soon spread far and wide, and the number of monks who came to follow Master Sheng grew steadily. As the studies on Buddhism deepened and evolved over time, Master Sheng’s interpretations and teachings on the sutras gradually gained recognition and acceptance. Later, the phrase “even lifeless and stubborn stones will nod” derived from this story and entered common usage as an idiom. It is used to describe the case in which one’s reasoning is so lucid and persuasive that it can convince even the most unyielding listener.
