The 'eight phrases' which express the Chan tradition's self-described fundamental characteristics， which are related to direct perception of reality， rather than academic study: （1） zhengfayancang 正法眼藏 - Treasury of the eye of the true dharma. （2） niepanmiaoxin 涅槃妙心 - The subtle mind of nirva^na. （3） shixiangWuxiang 实相无相 - True marks are no marks. （4） weimiaofamen 微妙法门 - The extremely subtle dharma-gate. （5） buliwenzi 不立文字 - No establishment of words and letters. （6） jiaowaibiechuan 教外别传 - The distinct transmission outside of the teachings. （7） zhizhirenxin 直指人心 - Directly pointing to the mind of man. （8） jianxingchengfo 见性成佛 - Seeing the nature is the attainment of Buddhahood.