Two Truths; Existence and Non-Existence; Realm; Wisdom; Principle; Destruction and Eternality; 二諦; 有與無; 境; 智; 智慧; 原理; 斷與常
摘要
This paper is one of the seven chapters in my PhD thesis. There are three sections. In the first section，I expound the early Chinese interpretations of the two truths, according to chronological order. In the second section，I explain the reasons why Chi-tsang establishes the theory of the two truths. Besides that，I also give an account of the relationship between the two truths and the Sanlun school. Finally，I go one step further to illustrate the significance and benefits of the two truths from Chi-tsang's point of view. One can summarise the discussion of this paper as follows: 1. There are those who had interpreted the two truths before Chi-tsang's time，such as Seng-chao，Prince Chao-ming，Fa-yuen，Hui-yuean，Harivarman etc. Nevertheless, their usage of the terms "existence" (yu) and "non-existence" (wu) to explain the two truths appeared rather vague and ambiguous. 2. Chi-tsang's reason in establishing the two truths is to abandon the two extreme views of annihilationism and enternalism. His idea in establishing the two truths was influenced by his predecessors such as Naagaarjuna and Fa-lang. 3. There is a close relationship between the two truths and Sanlun school in which the two truths play an important role. 4. The two truths are significant for one to obtain wisdom. Chi-tsang explains the benefits of the two truths from both the mundane and the supramundane standpoints. Nonetheless, his approach places more emphasis on the supramundane than the mundane perspective.Nevertheless, Chi-tsang also attempts to include the mundane view as well in order to highlight the significance and benefit of the two truths.
1. Early Chinese Interpretations of the Two Truths 2. Establishment of the Two Truths and the Relationship with the Sanlun School 2. 1 Establishment of the Two Truths 2. 2 The Relationship with the Sanlun School 3. The Significance and Benefits of the Two Truths 3. 1 The Significance of the Two Truths 3. 2 The Benefits of the Two Truths
