One of the most famous anecdotes about Sosan's life is the story of his encounter with Huike, the Second Zen Patriarch. According to legend, Huike had been searching for a teacher who could help him attain enlightenment. He traveled to many different teachers, but none were able to help him. Finally, he arrived at Sosan's monastery and asked for guidance. Sosan simply replied, "Bring me your mind and I will pacify it for you." Huike was confused by this response and asked, "But how can I bring my mind to you?" Sosan then famously replied, "If you bring me your mind, I will pacify it for you. If you cannot bring me your mind, I will pacify it for you." This exchange is said to have sparked Huike's enlightenment, as he realized that the mind cannot be grasped or controlled.

Another well-known story about Sosan is his encounter with Emperor Wu of Liang. The emperor was a devout Buddhist and invited Sosan to his palace to discuss Buddhism. However, instead of engaging in philosophical debates, Sosan simply sat in silence. The emperor was confused and asked why Sosan was not speaking. Sosan replied, "The true Dharma cannot be expressed in words." This response left the emperor in awe and he became one of Sosan's most devoted disciples.

Sosan's teachings were also known for their simplicity and directness. He often used short, powerful phrases to convey deep truths about Zen. One of his most famous teachings is the phrase, "The Great Way is not difficult for those who have no preferences." This simple statement encapsulates the essence of Zen, emphasizing the importance of letting go of attachments and desires in order to find true inner peace.

Another notable aspect of Sosan's teachings was his emphasis on the practice of meditation. He believed that through meditation, one could quiet the mind and uncover their true nature. He famously said, "The mind is like a mirror, reflecting all things without discrimination. If you have wisdom, you can understand the subtle meaning behind everything." This teaching highlights the importance of cultivating a clear and calm mind in order to see the world and ourselves as they truly are.

In conclusion, Sosan's life and teachings are filled with many famous anecdotes and stories that continue to inspire and guide students of Zen today. His simplicity, directness, and emphasis on meditation continue to be relevant and powerful teachings in the Zen tradition.