Problems in Zhanran’s 湛然 Thought

Abstract

The Tang dynasty monk Zhanran 湛然 (711–782) added detailed commentaries to the three major treaties of Zhiyi 智顗 (538–1857), and criticized various sects promoted in the Tang dynasty, declaring the ideological superiority of Tiantai theory. There have already been many studies that have examined Tiantai Lotus philosophy, and the position in the history of Chinese Lotus philosophy has been shared by researchers. However, in recent years, Mr. Kashiwagura has published his view, which concludes that the historical fact that Zhanran critiques the Lotus sūtra view of the Tang dynasty emerging sects is a baseless story. There is some confusion in his assumptions. In this report, therefore, I would like to clarify the problems surrounding the opponent in Zhanran’s Jingangpi 金剛錍 (Adamantine Scalpel) proposed by Mr. Kashiwagura, and rethink the probability of the assumption that the “Mahāyāna teachers” belong to the early Chan sect.