論「五味半滿」所建構的天台判教體系=A Discussion of the Tiantai Doctrinal Classification System as Constructed by the "Five Flavors: Mutual Achievement of the Partial and Complete"
With regard to Tiantai’s “five periods and eight teachings” method of doctrinal classification, there have been lively discussions in academic circles in contemporary Japan (see Sekiguchi Shindai, Tendai kyōgaku no kenkyū, Daito Shuppansha 1978, pp. 1-698). The present article does not comment on the issue of whether or not the five periods and eight teachings should be eliminated. This article attempts to construct Tiantai’s system of doctrinal classification from the perspective of the “five flavors: mutual achievement of the partial and complete.” This will then be used to show the distinguishing qualities of the modes of teaching in the Lotus Sūtra, and to critique the biases in the doctrinal classification done by the masters of the Northern and Southern Dynasties. For Zhiyi, in classifying the sūtra teachings, both expedient teachings and the ultimate truth must be maintained; if there is a bias towards one or the other, then it will be difficult to represent the true style of the teachings in each sūtra; this is especially true with regard to the distinguishing qualities of the Lotus Sūtra.
