The Order of Formation of Works Related to Pure Land Thought in Jingyingsi Huiyan 淨影寺慧遠

Abstract

This paper considers the formation order of works related the Pure Land thought in Jingyingsi Huiyan (淨影寺慧遠). My hypothesis about their order is as follows.

(1) Jingtuji (淨土義)

(2) Wenshi yuiji (維摩義記), Wuliangshoujing yishu (無量寿經義疏)

(3) Guanjing yishu (觀經義疏)

※ Reservation: Sanfoji (三佛義)

If this hypothesis is right, Huiyan was deepening his belief in Amitābha Buddha gradually. This is because I assume that the Guanjing yishu (觀經義疏) was written in Huiyan’s sunset years.