Integration of Buddhist Thought in the Nianfo sanmei baowang lun 念仏三昧宝王論: In Relation to the Anti-Sanjiejiao 三階教 (Three Stages Teaching) Stance of the Nianfo jing 念仏鏡

Abstract

The integration of Buddhist thought is clearly seen in the Nianfo sanmei baowang lun 念仏三昧宝王論, commonly known as the Baowang lun, composed by Feixi 飛錫. This integration should be assessed against the background of the ideas being discussed during the mid-Tang era.

A favorable acceptance of ideas from the period is clearly evident in the Baowang lun; of particular importance is the notably favorable treatment of Sanjiejiao 三階教 (Three Stages Teaching) concepts in the first volume of the treatise. An assessment of the most prominent subjects further clarifies the state of the integration. The relationship between the Sanjiejiao and integrated Buddhist thought can be elucidated when studied in conjunction with the Nianfo jing 念仏鏡.

The Nianfo jing, compiled by Daojing 道鏡 and his colleague, was composed prior to the Baowang lun during a period of rivalry among sects, and the text exhibits an intense rivalry with respect to the Sanjiejiao. When the views on Sanjiejiao in the two texts are considered in the context of the order of events, one may construct a narrative of events surrounding the An Lushan Rebellion, from the suppression of Sanjiejiao to its subsequent revival. This paper is a comparative examination of the Sanjiejiao stance, as seen through the two works.