教觀綱宗=Jiaoguan Gangzong; 蕅益智旭=Ouyi Zhixu; 天台教觀=Tiantai philosophy of jiao (doctrine) and guan (practice); 五時八教=Five periods and eight teachings; 化法四教=Four Types of Transformative Teachings
The Tiantai philosophy of jiao (doctrine) and guan (practice) has an important place in the development of Chinese Buddhism. Since Sui Dynasty, every period has its own interpretation and commentary on the philosophy of Tiantai texts. In Ming Dynasty, Jiaoguan Gangzong by Ouyi Zhixu was the ultimate organization of the fundamental structure of Tiantai. Jiaoguan Gangzong is a clear presentation on Ouyi Zhixu’s understanding of Tiantai philosophy, especially the two ideas of doctrine and practice as stated on the book’s title. This thesis examines Ouyi Zhixu’s philosophy of doctrine and practice through his book, Jiaoguan Gangzong, as well as compare and contrast the ideology of doctrine and practice of Ouyi Zhixu with Tiantai philosophy to understand the concepts of practice that he delivers, and the value and practicality of this book. Close examination found that in Zhixu’s answers to current problems, his personal thoughts on doctrine and practice, and his Tiantai philosophy is similar to that of Zhiyi. Zhixu also added his personal interpretation of Tiantai, such as further explanation of three of the Four Types of Transformative Teachings: Tripitaka, shared, and distinct. The focus of Jiaoguan Gangzong is that both doctrine and practice are interconnected, and its value can only be fully maximized if one could practice it. The book also provides a careful and well-planned structure as a guideline to Tiantai teachings. If one could study Tiantai by following the structure of the book, then one will not be lost in the complex philosophy of Tiantai.
