This paper focuses on problems concerning the stages attained by Tanluan 曇鸞 (476–542), and reconsiders a generally accepted theory on this issue.
It is generally accepted that Tanluan considered himself among those who had attained birth in the lowest grade of the lowest rank (Jpn. gebon geshō 下品下生) mentioned in the Sūtra of Contemplation on the Buddha of Immeasurable Life (Guan Wuliangshoufo jing 観無量寿仏経). As such, in his writings Tanluan attached great importance to those who attain birth in the lowest grade of the lowest rank. In addition, works such as Passages on the Land of Happiness (Anle ji 安楽集) and Continued Biographies of Eminent Monks (Xu Gaosengzhuan 続高僧伝) describe how Tanluan considered himself an ignorant and foolish being. On the other hand, in his writings there are also explanations of Tanluan as a bodhisattva or a saint as well as in other works, thus warranting a reconsideration of the generally accepted view that Tanluan considered himself a foolish person.
This paper reexamines various works to investigate whether indeed Tanluan considered himself among those who had attained birth in the lowest grade of the lowest rank.
