The Acceptance of Sūtras by Huiyuan: Appearances of the Fundamental Buddha

Abstract

This paper examines how, for Huiyuan (慧遠, 334–416), the sūtras were so consistent and meaningful. He thought that all teachings in the world, not limited to Buddhism, are ultimately reducible to one fundamental truth, and preachers of doctrines are all appearances of the fundamental Buddha whose form changes depending on the target audience. Therefore Huiyuan recognized that all the sūtras were not necessarily transmitted from the mouth of Gautama Buddha, but the Fundamental Buddha appears at any time depending on seekers’ needs, and what enlightened persons left behind are sūtras or teachings.