Shenxiu (ca. 7th and 8th centuries CE), Chinese Zen Buddhist teacher. According to traditional histories of the later Zen schools, Shenxiu was the heir apparent of the 5th Patriarch of Chinese Zen, and became a jealous rival when Huineng was selected instead of him to become the 6th Patriarch. According to Shenxiu's supporters, Shenxiu was the true 6th Patriarch. Shenxiu's supporters formed the "Northern School", while Huineng's supporters (especially after his death), became the "Southern School". Ultimately, the Southern School proved more successful in cultivating support, and so this became the root of subsequent mainstream Zen schools, with Shenxiu officially seen as a pretender.