Classical Interpretation and Chinese Buddhism

Author: Yang Weizhong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-08-01
Features: From the perspective of Buddhist teachings, the stages of learning in doctrine, theory, practice, and realization have already pointed out the path for Buddhist disciples. However, due to differences in their innate qualities and preferences, Buddhist disciples often lean toward certain aspects, leading to the formation of different types of Buddhism, such as those that emphasize theory or practice. For Buddhist disciples, the exploration of theory is aimed at fully and completely expressing the true teachings that the Buddha intended to reveal. Buddhism that emphasizes practice mainly focuses on the adaptability and practicality of the Dharma from the perspective of benefiting all living beings, so there is less emphasis on distinguishing between different phenomena. Although there are various different emphases, they all share the fundamental essence of Buddhism, centered on the combination of theoretical knowledge and practical experience.
On the northern bank of Qinglin Ferry, a famous ancient ferry crossing by the Yao River in Ningbo, stands the thousand-year-old temple, Baoying Temple. It was first established by the monk Zongding during the Duanong era of Emperor Zhenzong in the Northern Song Dynasty. During the Jading era of the Southern Song Dynasty, Emperor Ningzong granted it the name "Baoying Lecture Temple." The great scholar, author of the "Three-Character Classic," and Minister of Rites, Wang Yingshu (Wang Yinglin), along with another great scholar, Huang Zhen, both left their calligraphy here. The temple is surrounded by clear waters and shaded by lush green trees, with its halls and pavilions gleaming and its jade Buddha statues solemn. Today, under the leadership of abbot Langyu, Baoying Temple is developing steadily.