東晉佛教傳法中的莊子─以廬山慧遠法師「連類」《莊子》為例=An Analysis of Zhuangzi in the Teaching of Buddhism in the Eastern Jin Dynasty - Taking Master Huiyuan of Lushan Mountain as an Example in "lian lei" Zhuangzi
Buddhism was introduced to China in the Eastern Han Dynasty and faced many challenges from traditional Chinese culture. Most of the precepts of Buddhism are different from those of China. Under the different concept of Yi and Xia, it is not conducive to the teaching of Buddhism. However, with the rise of metaphysics in the Wei and Jin Dynasties, the interpretation of Lao-Zhuang’s thoughts became an opportunity for Buddhist teachings to enter China. During the Jin Dynasty, Master Huiyuan(慧遠 ) of Lushan learned from Lao Zhuang when he was young, and later learned about the "Prajna Sutra" from Master Daoan(道安 ). When Master Huiyuan taught the Dharma, he "lian lei"(連類 ) the "Reality" explained in Zhuangzi, and those who are confused will understand it. Dao'an licensed it. During the Wei and Jin Dynasties, many monks quoted Lao Zhuang's thoughts to explain Buddhism, which was called "Ge Yi"(格義 ) in the religion. Although metaphysics was flourishing at that time, Lao-Zhuang's thought should have a connection with Buddhism, so the monks would use Lao-Zhuang's thought to explain Buddhism. But where exactly is the connection? Since it is a connection, there should be the same or similarity. The purpose of explaining Buddhism through Lao and Zhuang is to spread the Dharma. Because Buddhism and Lao-Zhuang thought can be connected, on the one hand, Buddhism can penetrate into the middle land, and on the other hand, it also promotes the Sinicization of Buddhism. This article discusses Master Huiyuan's Buddhist exposition, and tries to explain why Zhuangzi can connect with Buddhism. This article argues that Master Huiyuan’s quotations from Zhuangzi or fables to explain Buddhism are mostly in form rather than in principle. Even Huiyuan's citation and understanding of Zhuangzi's thought does not necessarily follow Zhuangzi's thinking, but uses Zhuangzi for his own use, so that the audience can understand Buddhism. The emphasis is on Buddhism, not Zhuangzi.
