印順對〈入法界品〉之析論 ── 文殊到普賢信仰發展之考察=Yinshun’s Analysis and Discussion of “Chapter on Entering the Dharma-Realm”: Developmental Investigation of Faith from Mañjuśrī to Samantabhadra
A series of Huayan sutras had been emanated from Huayan Teaching of the early Mahayana Buddhism. Among them, “Chapter on Entering the Dharma-realm” is the representative sutra of early Mahayana Buddhism ideology. Mañjuśrī and Samantabhadra are the central features in Mahayana Buddhism ideology, and are always acknowledged as Mañjuśrī. The Great Wisdom, and Samantabhadra The Great Practice in Mahayana sutras. The transformation and significance of Mañjuśrī and Samantabhadra can be found in Mañjuśrī Teaching and Huayan Teaching. Yinshun’s study of “Chapter on Entering the Dharma-realm” mainly focused on its formation in the history of Indian Buddhism philosophy, i.e. the emergence period of this chapter and the formation of “Chapter on the Vows of Samantabhadra” in the Forty-fascicle Huayan Sutra, underlining the significance of Samantabhadra in Huayan Teaching. Mañjuśrī Teaching and “Chapter on Entering the Dharma-realm” depict the practice of Sudhana on Bodhisattva path, which began with Mañjuśrī and ended with Samantabhadra. The story can be viewed as the transitional process from Mañjuśrī Teaching to Huayan Teaching. “Chapter on Entering the Dharma-realm” has its internal connection with Pure Land Teaching as well, oozing with the atmosphere of esoteric teaching. In conclusion, the transition from Mañjuśrī to Samantabhadra, as well as the inter-influence and the evolution of philosophy and faith between Mañjuśrī Teaching, Huayan Teaching, Pure Land Teaching and Esoteric Teaching can be discovered in “Chapter on Entering the Dharma-realm”.
