The Theory of Realisation of Buddhahood by the Land in Fazang’s Tanxuan ji

Abstract

Comparing fascicles 2 and 3 with fascicles 14 and 16 of his Tanxuan ji 探玄記, it becomes obvious that Fazang 法蔵 (643–712) advocated slightly different versions of the theory that the natural environment attains Buddhahood. A majority of previous studies has suggested the possibility that Fazang compiled this work over a long period of time, and that he himself might have added new passages throughout his lifetime. Consequently, it is impossible to determine the development of Fazang’s thought by simply following the order of fascicles. This paper tentatively takes up fascicles 1 and 2 of the Tanxuan ji and in comparison with Fazang’s earlier Wenyi gang mu 文義綱目 demonstrates that Fazang reedited the first fascicle of the Tanxuan ji, whereas the second fascicle remained untouched.