The Evaluation of Yijing by Nanshan-Luzong during the Northern Song Dynasty: Focusing on Yuanzhao’s Counterargument against Yijing

Abstract

This study examines the evaluation of Yijing by Nanshan-Luzong during the period of the Northern Song dynasty, reviewing counterarguments made by Yuanzhao against Yijing. Written during the period of the Northern Song dynasty, Yuanzhao’s commentary was the first to refute Yijing’s critique of Daoxuan, which had been published more than 400 years earlier during the Tang dynasty. The central theme of his commentary was Yuanzhao’s open disapproval of the practice whereby precepts observed during ordination could be replaced with others in subsequent ascetic pursuits. He argued that this line of thinking was clearly against Nanshan-Luzong’s teaching of “conformity with rules” and essentially denied the history of Nanshan-Luzong rooted in the preservation of such teaching. However, Yuanzhao’s harsh criticism also inadvertently showed just how deeply Yijing’s thoughts had penetrated the doctrine of Nanshan-Luzong, even as late as the period of the Northern Song dynasty.