The Lingyin Temple has been the abode of many famous monks off and on, since its foundation by the Great Master Hui Li in the Eastern Jin Dynasty, Once it was claimed to have hosted more than 3,000 people. According to their records, over 100 illustrious monks claimed to have taken the position as the abbot of the Lingyin Temple, who were either ordained by emperors or invited by the resident followers. The most widely known masters of Zen Buddhism such as Zong Gao and Chong Xian once conducted their studies at the Temple; in addition, the Buddhist poets jiao Ran and Guan Xiu, both of whom had special contribution to the art of poetry in the history of Chinese literature, once resided here; Zen Master Dao Ji, who is well-known to every Chinese household, renounced his secular life at the Temple. Moreover, those eminent masters, who have held an important position in China Buddhism history, like Yan Shou, Zan Ning and Qi Song, all made great contributions to the Temple development. Several great masters from more recent times, such as Tai Xu, Hong Yi and Ju Zan, were just as closely associated with the Temple as their predecessors.