弘一大師著《四分律比丘戒相表記》在律學上之地位與特色=The Status and Unique Characteristics of A Graphical Explanation of the Bhikhhu's Precepts in Dharmagupta Vinaya written by Venerable Hong Yi
Throughout his life time, Venerable Hong Yi had left behind valuable teachings for Chinese Buddhism, be it verbal teachings or the way he lived his life. This is especially so in his diligent research and firm determination in upholding precepts. His aspiration has deeply influenced the Chinese Sangha members up to today. By the standards of today’s historical and source re-tracing research methodologies, we may find his traditional way of research inadequate. Nonetheless, he has done his best considering the time he was in. Among his works, A Graphical Explanation of the Bhikhhu’s Precepts in the Dharmagupta Vinaya is regarded as the most important. This book is particularly useful to a practitioner as it highlights the essence of the precepts and presents the contents in a clear and precise way. This piece of work has been published widely even up to today. In addition, continuing from Venerable Hong Yi’s work, bhikkhuni Venerable Sheng Yu also compiled A Graphical Explanation of the Bhikkhuni’s Precepts in the Dharmagupta Vinaya. These two books can be regarded as important teaching materials for the study of the Dharmagupta precepts. This article discusses Venerable Hong Yi’s book according to the four themes below: 1.Brief history on Venerable Hong Yi’s research on Vinaya: For the twenty-four years since his renunciation (1918) to his passing away (1942), Venerable Hong Yi spent most of his time in researching and promoting the study of Vinaya, and devoted his life in upholding the precepts wholeheartedly. 2.The origination of A Graphical Explanation of the Bhikkhu’s Precepts in Dharmagupta Vinaya: Venerable Hong Yi started writing this book in March 1921. After numerous times of editing and hand-copying, the book was finalised in October 1924. During this period, he diverted his research from the new vinaya of Mula-sarvativadin to the old version of Nan Shan vinaya. After the book was completed in 1931, he made a vow to cease his study of the Sarvativadin vinaya to concentrate on his study of the Nan Shan vinaya. 3.The Uniqueness of this book: this book has two unique characteristics. Firstly, it is easy for the general readers. Secondly, it is convenient for searching information. 4.The impact of this book on Chinese Buddhism: this book played a significant role in establishing a dialogue with Buddhists of the era. From the excerpts of his commentaries on vinaya, we can see the Venerable’s intention of using the advice of past great masters to remind his contemporaries on the importance of the teachings.
