道㲀《顯密圓通成佛心要》新考=A New Study on Xianmi Yuantong Chengfo xinyao [The Essentials of Attaining Buddhahood according to Perfect and Penetrative Teaching of Esoteric and Exoteric Traditions] by Liao Buddhist Master Daochen
In Chinese Buddhist circles, especially among lay Buddhist groups, Cundī is the subject of an important belief practice that is second only to Pure Land beliefs. The Xianmi Yuantong chengfo xinyao 顯密圓通成佛心要 [Essentials of Attaining Buddhahood according to Perfect and Penetrative Teaching of Esoteric and Exoteric Traditions] by the Liao Buddhist Master Daochen 道㲀 (11–12th c.) laid the foundation for Cundī-practice in China. Using Liao Dynasty stone inscriptions, stone pillars such as the ‘Yanjing Yongan si Shijia Sheli ta beiji’ 燕京永安寺釋迦舍利塔碑記 [Inscription of Buddha Śākya[muni]’s Śarīra Stupa of the Yongan Temple in Yanjing], and the literature of Khara-Khoto, we can date the composition of Xianmi Yuantong chengfo xinyao to the 1180s; At the same time, an investigation into supplemental texts of Liao Dynasty Khitan canon, and a comparison with the Tangut translation of the Jingxin lu 鏡心錄 [Account of Mirroring Mind] by Daochen discovered in Khara-Khoto, shows that Daochen paid more attention to Chan Buddhism in his early years, and paid special attention to the Heze sect 荷澤宗, and Zongmi’s 宗密 (780–841) thoughts about the fundamental congruence of the Chan teachings and Huayan doctrinal approaches. But later, after encountering the supplemental texts of the Liao Dynasty Khitan canon, Daochen became interested in newly translated Esoteric Buddhist scriptures. Thus, his studies turned to Esoteric Buddhism, and wrote the Xianmi Yuantong chengfo xinyao to promote Cundī practice. Therefore, from the differing attitudes towards Chan and Esoteric Buddhism in the Xianmi Yuantong chengfo xinyao, and changes in Daochen’s thought before and after writing this text, we can gradually have a glimpse of the great differences between Buddhism in the Song and Liao Dynasties.
