聖嚴法師傳法種類與模式分析—以其傳法精神之開展為中心=An Analysis of the Categories and Models of Master Sheng-yen’s Dharma Transmission—with a Focus on the Unfolding of the Essential Principles of His Transmission of Dharma
In a modern, pluralistic, and multicultural society, Master Sheng Yen was able live the ideals of Chinese Buddhism and transmit the Dharma to different races and cultures. The research herein, collected from literature and interviews, focuses on three core principles of Chinese Chan (Zen) Buddhism: discipline, meditation, and wisdom, as promulgated by Master Sheng Yen. This paper shows the methods of Dharma transmission across different nationalities and cultures. According to the Dharma heir’s lineage records, the lineage holder’s name differs. In this article, individual analyses of three studies reviews four types of transmission: compassionate vows transmission、transmission of disciplines、environmental cultivation transmission、century ideal transmission. The compassionate vows transmission differs from the Chan lineage enlightenment transmission. The compassionate vow is necessary when establishing a sangha community. The results of the research here show innovation in applying the Dharma in different societies. The transference and modification of Chinese Buddhism from generation to generation illustrates its ability to modernize. Modernization is also seen in the Compassionate vow to establish a sangha community. The transmission of the disciplines has been conducted using the Mahayana ideals, which are the Bodhisattva precepts. These precepts are applied to aspects of Western and Eastern cultures differently. The Environmental cultivation transmission is the essence of Master Sheng Yen’s Avalokiteśvara methods, which combines the ideals of Dharma Drum Mountain’s compassion and the wisdom of Chinese Buddhism. As mentioned above, these transmissions serve primarily to protect the Spiritual environment of Dharma Drum Mountain through the concept of transmission. In summary, in order to adapt the essence of Master Sheng Yen’s transmission methods across a multi-cultural society in this century, a type of fusion and must occur. This fusion, or adaptability, is a characteristic of Chinese Buddhism.
