Three Schools of Thought (Huayan School, Tiantai School, Niutou School)

Author: Zeng Qihai
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-08-01
Features: This book is divided into four parts. "Introduction to Huayan Buddhism" follows the principle of logic and history consistency, starting from the essence of the Huayan Sutra and narrating the establishment of the Huayan sect. It analyzes the Buddhist thought and doctrinal differentiation of Huayan Buddhism, concluding with a summary of its Buddhist philosophical ideas. "Miscellaneous Essays on Tiantai Buddhism" focuses on comparative studies between the Tiantai sect's "Inanimate Possesses Nature" theory and Western ecological ethics, as well as its "Three Bodies Mutual Inclusion" theory and the Christian "Trinity." Additionally, it explores the Tiantai sect's "Abandonment of the Body" issue, its "educational thought characteristics," and its interactions with Huayan Buddhism. "Comprehensive Discussion on Niutou Zen" reviews the founding of Niutou Zen in response to the times, its six-lineage transmission, the scriptures it adheres to, its doctrinal essence, textual criticism, its interactions with the Jiangnan Tiantai sect, and its role in the transition of Indian Zen to Chinese Zen. In the end, the descendants of the sixth patriarch moved to Fuguo Rock on Mount Tiantai and established Fuguo School. The appendix, "Discourse on Buddhist Culture," interprets Buddhism using Lacan's three 'domains' theory and hermeneutics. In recent decades, Buddhist studies have shown a trend of being all-encompassing, multi-perspective, and multi-level. Some approach it from a philosophical angle, others from a comparative study of Eastern and Western religions, some from hermeneutic interpretation, some from cultural and folkloric perspectives, and others from ethical and artistic angles. Buddhism is an "encyclopedia." No matter which angle you approach it from, as long as you engage with it wholeheartedly, you will gain insights. This book discusses the Buddhist thought, doctrinal essence, and historical evolution of Huayan Buddhism, Tiantai Buddhism, and Niutou sect, and interprets Buddhist studies from a cultural perspective. The entire book is composed of "Introduction to Huayan Buddhism," "Miscellaneous Essays on Tiantai Buddhism," "Comprehensive Discussion on Niutou Zen," and the appendix "Discourse on Buddhist Culture." This book is suitable for reference and study by those interested in Buddhist studies.