Linji is a prominent figure in the history of Zen Buddhism, known for founding the Linji school during the Tang dynasty in China. His teachings emphasized direct experience and the importance of sudden enlightenment, often conveyed through striking and unconventional methods, such as koans and paradoxical statements. The Linji school became influential in shaping Zen practices, focusing on the idea of "mind-to-mind transmission" of wisdom. Linji's approach encouraged practitioners to break free from conventional thinking and to realize their true nature through direct, personal insight rather than relying solely on scriptures or rituals.