Yao Guangxiao

Yao Guangxiao (姚廣孝, 1335–1418), also known by his dharma name Daoyan (道衍), was a Chinese military strategist, statesman and Chan Buddhist monk who lived in the late Yuan and early Ming dynasties.

Yao Guangxiao

Daoyan was born in Changzhou County (modern a part of Suzhou, Jiangsu), and was ordained as a bhikkhu (full monk) at the age of fourteen. He studied Buddhist dharma, yin yang and divination. In 1382, he came to Beijing, and was appointed the abbot of Qingshou Temple (慶壽寺). Later, he became a close adviser of Zhu Di, Prince of Yan.[1]

According to History of Ming, Daoyan suggested a revolt against Jianwen Emperor after the emperor started to crack down on the influence of imperial princes. Daoyan played an important role in the Jingnan Campaign. He was left in Beijing together with Zhu Gaochi to guard the base area. Zhu Di asked him for strategy through letters before important battles. Daoyan suggested driving south to attack Nanjing directly, which made Zhu Di the final victor.[1]

After Zhu Di crowned the Yongle Emperor, Daoyan was bestowed the name Yao Guangxiao, and granted the title Crown Prince's Preceptor (太子少師). Yongle ordered him to return to secular life but was refused by him. He was ordered to participate in superintending the recompilation of Taizu Shilu, the imperial annal of Hongwu Emperor. Later, he was appointed general editor of Yongle Encyclopedia[2] together with Xie Jin.[3]

Yao died in Qingshou Temple, Beijing, in 1418, and was given the posthumous name Gongjing (恭靖) by Yongle.[1] His ashes was buried underneath Yao Guangxiao Pagoda (39.820°N 116.080°E / 39.820; 116.080 (Yao Guangxiao Pagoda), in modern Changlesi Village, Qinglonghu Town, Fangshan District, Beijing).[4]