Three Schools of Thought: Huayan School, Tiantai School, and 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, starting from the essence of the Huayan Sutra and narrating the establishment of the Huayan sect, analyzing its Buddhist thought and doctrinal classification, culminating in a summary of its Buddhist philosophical ideas. "Miscellaneous Discussions on Tiantai Buddhism" focuses on comparing the Tiantai sect's theory of "insentient beings possess nature" with Western ecological ethics, and its theory of "the Three Bodies are mutually identical" with the Christian doctrine of the Trinity. It also explores the Tiantai sect's issues of "renouncing the body," its educational thought characteristics, and its interactions with the Huayan sect. "Comprehensive Discussion on Niutou Zen" summarizes the establishment of Niutou Zen in response to the times, its six transmissions, the scriptures it adheres to, its doctrinal essence, textual criticism, its interactions with the Tiantai sect in Jiangnan, and its role in the transition of Indian Zen to Chinese Zen. In the end, the disciples of the sixth patriarch moved to Fuguo Rock on Mount Tiantai and established Fuguo School. The appendix, "Discussions on Buddhist Culture," interprets Buddhism using Lacan's three 'orders' theory and hermeneutics. In recent years, 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 studies, and others from ethical and artistic perspectives. Buddhism is an "encyclopedia." No matter which angle you approach it from, as long as you engage with it wholeheartedly, you will always gain something. This book discusses the Buddhist thought, doctrinal essence, and historical development of the Huayan, Tiantai, and Niutou sects, and offers an interpretive understanding of Buddhist studies from a cultural perspective. The entire book is composed of "Introduction to Huayan Buddhism," "Miscellaneous Discussions on Tiantai Buddhism," "Comprehensive Discussion on Niutou Zen," and the appendix "Discussions on Buddhist Culture." This book is suitable for reference and study by those interested in Buddhist studies.