Buddhism and Confucianism

Author: (Japan) Araki Junzo
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-01-01
Features: Among the various schools of Buddhism, it is Zen that directly emphasizes the mastery of the "true nature" and the "proper field." And it is the Huayan school, which advocates the "teaching of the single vehicle of the true nature," that has made the greatest contribution to the philosophical foundation of Zen. This book begins with the Huayan school for this very reason. However, the reason why it consciously compares the philosophy of the "Circle of Awakening Sutra" by Zongmi with that of the "Flower Ornament Sutra" is because the author believes that the "teaching of the single vehicle of the true nature" here exhibits a clear twist, establishing a completely different philosophical system. Accurately grasping this twist and variation provides an important clue for understanding the later changes in Song and Ming thought. As for why Zhu Xi and Wang Yangming were chosen among the Confucian scholars of the Song and Ming dynasties, it is self-evident that they fully represent the spirit of their respective eras. However, there is no intention whatsoever to elaborate on all the issues using these two figures. This book was never intended to present a historical narrative or a mere list of records as its true purpose. Many of the thinkers featured in the book do not appear as central figures, naturally leaving little room for a detailed discussion of their unique philosophical issues. The author can only leave them as topics for future research. Nevertheless, the author believes that despite this, the perspective provided in this book can more effectively and smoothly advance this research. The book is mainly divided into four parts: the philosophy of the Flower Ornament Sutra, the philosophy of the Circle of Awakening Sutra, the philosophy of Zhu Xi, and the philosophy of Wang Yangming.