從證嚴法師對《無量義經》之詮釋探究其「人間菩薩」思想意涵=A Study of Master Cheng Yen's Thoughts on Humanitarian Bodhisattvas Based on Her Interpretations of the Ananta-nirdesa Sutra
The purpose of the thesis is to investigate the meaning of “humanitarian bodhisattvas” by way of Master Cheng Yen’s interpretations of the Ananta-nirdesa Sutra（the Sutra of Infinite Teachings / the Sutra of Immeasurable Meanings）. In sum, the author wants to investigate this theme from the following two perspectives. Most of the current studies of Master Cheng Yen’s thoughts are based on how she took refuge under Master Yin Shun over four decades ago and adopted his instruction to “be committed to Buddhism and to all living beings.” As a result, these studies have categorized Master Cheng Yen’s thoughts under the pragmatic practice of “humanitarian Buddhism.” Indeed, there are many similarities between the two masters’ interpretations of “walking on the Path of the Bodhisattvas.” However, a closer look will reveal that differences do exist between their respective interpretations. This thesis will explore Master Cheng Yen’s unique perspective more deeply by looking at how she promoted the ideas of “Still Thoughts Philosophy” and “Tzu Chi Sect” as they were expressed up to the end of 2006. In other words, if Master Cheng Yen and her Tzu Chi followers completely inherited Master Yin Shun’s philosophy of “humanitarian Buddhism,” why then did Master Cheng Yen trace the root of her ideas to the Ananta-nirdesa Sutra and establish the Still Thoughts Philosophy? The author proposes that the answer to this question is a result of Master Cheng’s initial contacts with the Three Sutras to the Wonderful Lotus Sutras when she became a Buddhist nun over four decades ago. The Buddhist scriptures and sutras that the Master read at the time she shaved her head and became a nun played a crucial role in her understanding of the Buddha’s teachings. The author, therefore, investigates the Master’s early life, explores how she opened her heart to accept the Buddha’s teachings, and analyzes the background and tenets of the Ananta-nirdesa Sutra. Furthermore, he also examines the Master’s interpretations of the sutra. Additionally, the author has found that Master Cheng Yen’s philosophy has focused on promoting “humanitarian bodhisattvas” since the establishment of Tzu Chi. This is evident by closely studying her Still Thoughts Aphorisms. In putting the idea of “walking on the Path of the Bodhisattvas” into practice, she emphasizes the importance of taking a “sutra-practicing” attitude. A close look at the Still Thoughts Aphorisms and the tenets of “humanitarian bodhisattvas” will reveal their common elements, especially in terms of dealing with sutras and bodhisattvas. Additionally, Master Cheng Yen’s interpretations of the Ananta-nirdesa Sutra contain the core spirit of “humanitarian bodhisattvas” and the concept of a “sutra-practicing” attitude. In brief, devotees of Tzu Chi’s “humanitarian bodhisattvas” aim to live up to compassion throughout the world by combining the practice of reasons and events. Master Cheng Yen’s Tzu Chi not only initiated this unique style of “non-mundane Buddhism,” but also established a new interpretation of the Buddha’s teachings more easily accepted by a new era of modern Buddhists. Key words: Master Cheng Yen, Still Thought Philosophy, Tzu Chi sect, humanitarian bodhisattvas, a “sutra-practicing” attitude, and the Ananta-nirdesa Sutra （the Sut
