Author Affiliations: Professor, Religion Department, University of Florida
關鍵詞
Chan=禪; Bo Juyi=白居易; Weikuan=惟寬; Tang Dynasty=唐朝; memorial inscription=碑銘; Hongzhou school=洪州宗; Xingshan monastery=興善寺; Chang’an=長安
摘要
The article provides a complete translation and detailed study of “Inscription for the Hall of Transmission of the Teaching” (Chuan fa tang bei 傳法堂碑), a memorial composition dedicated to Xingshan Weikuan 興善惟寬 (755– 817), a prominent Chan master and a major representative of the Hongzhou school 洪州宗 in Chang’an 長安, the imperial capital of Tang China. Composed in 819 by Bo Juyi 白居易 (772–846), one of China’s best-known poets, this text is an important source of information about the life and ideas of a prominent Chan monk, as well as a prime example of the ways in which influential literati such as Bo were engaged in the recoding of Chan history and teachings. The inscription also sheds light on several key aspects of Tang Chan, including the close relationship between Chan monks and literati, the evolving notions about spiritual lineage and Chan orthodoxy, and the position of Chan in relation to the broad Buddhist tradition.
Introduction 41 Bo’s engagement with Buddhism 42 Weikuan and the Hongzhou School 45 Memorial inscriptions 46 Weikuan’s background 47 Lineage and orthodoxy 49 One big family 56 Weikuan’s training and early vocation 60 Move to the capital and passing away 63 Dialogues about Chan and its relationship with Buddhism 64 Disciples and legacy 68 Concluding remarks 70
