從四悉檀析論星雲大師的思想 — 再論大乘佛教的善巧方便一系概念=Analysis of Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s Thoughts from the Four Siddhântas: Further Discussions on Skillful and Expedient Means Concepts in Mahayana Buddhism
Inspired by Professor Cheng Gongrang’s work, Research of the Translation, Comprehension, and Interpretation of Buddhist Scriptures: On the Concepts of Skillful and Expedient Means (《佛典漢譯、理解與詮釋研究—以善巧方便一系概念思想為中心》), the author perceives that the propagation of Buddhism, as a whole, solely follows two major principles: “skillful and expedient means” and “teaching the Dharma per the learner’s aptitude.” Through re-translations and re-interpretations of various early Buddhist sutras, Professor Cheng reveals that concepts related to “skillful and expedient means” are more important than the Six Paramitas. It is the foremost method the buddhas applied to teach and liberate sentient beings. From this perspective, we have to reconsider the sole great purpose for the Buddha’s appearance in this world, which is “teaching, advising, awakening [sentient beings] and leading them to enter ( 開示悟入).” This perspective has proven once again that all teachings are akin to medical treatments so long as they follow principles and fit the aptitudes of sentient beings. This concept is known as “the teaching of inconceivable liberation” ( 不思議解脫法門). From the context of Nagarjuna’s Four Siddhântas, this paper discusses and validates the “skillful and expedient means” of the bodhisattva path. Furthermore, it offers another possible interpretation of Fo Guang Shan’s Humanistic Buddhism in modern times.
