When the Master was seventeen years old, although he had only two and half years of formal education, he had thoroughly mastered the Four Books, the Five Classics, and the lessons of the numerous schools of philosophy.He also learned other worldly dharmas such as medicine, divination, astrology and physiognomy. The Venerable Master worked diligently without being lax. He dedicated himself to investigating Chan and studying the Buddha's Teachings ceaselessly, and thoroughly understood the transcendental Dharma.