試論聖嚴法師對中華禪之承傳和轉化 ── 以印順法師觀點為對比之考察=On Master Shengyen’s Lineage and Transformation of Ch’an (Zen) Buddhism: By Way of Contrasting his Views and those of Master Yinshun
Master Shengyen’s lineage of Buddhism belongs to both traditions of Lin-ji [Rinzai-shū] and Cao-dong [Sōtō-shū] Schools of Ch’an [Zen]. Having diligently popularized the philosophy and method of Ch’an meditation, he established in his old age a monastery and posited its core tenets, the “Dharma Drum Lineage of Ch’an Buddhism,” being in line with Ch’an Buddhism as developed in China. Some analyses by Buddhism scholars, have suggested that the two dominant streams of Chinese Buddhism, respectively Ch’an Buddhism and Pure Land Buddhism, are responsible for the decline of modern Chinese Buddhism due to their developmental deviations and errors. Many reflections and reviews have been put forth. How Master Shengyen responded to negative assessments of Buddhism, therefore, not only reveals his special views on Ch’an but also gives rise to a problem that is worthy of further investigation. This paper approaches the Ch’an philosophy of Master Shengyen mainly through contrasting his viewpoints with those of Master Yinshun. I suggest that Master Shengyen’s creative interpretation of Ch’an could be taken as his response to some of Master Yinshun’s ambivalences towards the Ch’an School. I also suggest that Master Yinshun has been exploring new opportunities and possibilities to develop Ch’an Buddhism into one that could forestall various abuses. Once we understand Master Yinshun’s views on Ch’an, while examining Master Shengyen’s Ch’an lineage as well as his own adjustments and transformations, we can highlight more clearly Master Shengyen’s unique perspective of Ch’an.
