1. Special Theme 2. Author Affiliations: FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY Miami, Florida
摘要
Chan Buddhist discourse refer s repeatedly to many kinds of animals, particularly dogs and cats, as symbols or in fables in order to comment ironically on human attitudes and behavior. These creatures are appreciated for their positive qualities yet are also scathingly criticized for representing a lack of discipline and self-control. This paper considers how a couple of Chan gongan cases featuring animals are related to the Mahayana doctrine of universal Buddha-nature. Does Chan accept and approve or reject and refute the orthodox view, does it craft a standpoint of ironic inconclusiveness that deliberately bypasses and reorients traditional doctrinal disputes, or do these cases primarily express an allegorical message regarding possibilities or challenges for humans seeking to attain an experience of enlightenment?
目次
ABSTRACT 239 I. WHAT DO CATS AND DOGS KNOW? 239 II. DOCTRINAL DISPUTES CONCERNING SENTIENT AND INSENTIENT 245 III. ANIMAL LORE IN CHAN LEGACIES 251 IV. WHO AND/OR WHAT HAS BUDDHA-NATURE? 253
