From Exegesis to Hermeneutic: Use of Abhidharmic and Mahāyāna Interpretation in the Prajñāpāramitā Upadeśa (Dazhidu Lun《大智度論》)=從解經到詮釋學：《大智度論》中之阿毘達磨與大乘解釋的使用
The Prajñāpāramitā Upadeśa or Dazhidu Lun is commonly recognized as a Mādhyamaka text, due to its attribution to Nāgārjuna, being a Prajñāpāramitā commentary, and its status in the Sān Lùn school. However, its hermeneutic approach is more complex than mere application of Mādhyamaka principles to the Prajñāpāramitā text alone. Fascicles 11-34, which explain a range of dharmas qua practices which pervade the Sūtra, show a consistent and structured method of exegesis. Typically, the dharmas are first contextualized as to their position within the sūtra. Then this positioning is justified in terms of its necessity. Next, an extensive Abhidharma analysis is given, which covers the majority of the exegesis. The question of which Abhidharma system and sectarian affiliation of the author requires clarification. Lastly, the dharma(s) are interpreted through the Mādhyamaka method, giving a pithy yet ultimate exegetic conclusion. Here we will examine the critical importance of the Ābhidharmika material and its relationship to the Mādhyamaka in the text's hermeneutical method. Its role is more than simply a patsy against Mahāyāna dialectic.
The Dazhidu Lun as Mādhyamaka Text (?) 65 From Exegesis to Hermeneutics 66 Case Study One—37 Bodhi Factors 68 Case Study Two —Three Samādhis 71 Elements of Exegesis 73 A Hermeneutic Model 75 Concluding Reflections 78 Bibliography 80
