From Passive to Positive——One Aspect Developing Buddhism in the Chinese Context
It is commonly accepted that Buddhism places great value on enlightenment,with the core of its teachings focusing on the self-cultivation of sentient beings in order to achieve liberation.However,an examination of Buddha nature theory in India and China reveals that an important characteristic of developing Buddhism in the Chinese context is the transformation from Soteriology to a theory oriented towards sentient beings.In particular,an analysis of the texts pertaining to the Tathagata/Buddha nature theory in Indian Mahayana Buddhism reveals that it typically places the Buddha at the centre,offering solace to sentient beings through the Buddha's assistance and relegating them to a passive role.In Chinese Buddhism,the most distinctive schools of Buddha nature theory are the Huayan,Tiantai,and Chan traditions.The examination of representative figures and literature from three schools reveals that the Huayan Buddha nature theory of"arising of nature"emphasizes the central role of the Buddha in guiding sentient beings to practice and attain liberation,which is consistent with the characteristics of Indian Buddhist Soteriology.Conversely,the Tiantai school's theory of"nature inclusion"and the Chan school's philosophy of"following along with the movement of all things or circumstances"place greater emphasis on the positive aspects of sentient beings as the subject of practice.Nevertheless,there is still scope for further development of the sentient beings oriented theory within the Tiantai idea of"perfect interfusion".This potential has been fully realised in the Chan school's ideological system of"transmission outside the written teachings,not setting up the scriptures,pointing directly at the mind,and seeing into the nature and attaining Buddhahood",which highlights the status of sentient beings as positive masters.In conclusion,the status of sentient beings represents a significant divergence in the structure of Buddha nature theory between India and China,whereby the passive status is replaced by a positive one.
Buddha nature theorySoteriologySentient beings oriented theoryadapt Buddhism to the Chinese context
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