This paper explores the debate surrounding the position of the Prajñāpāramitā teaching in the three periods teaching classification.
First, it examines the understanding of Prajñāpāramitā teaching in the Faxiang 法相 school during the Tang dynasty. Subsequently, it analyses the exegesis of the Dasheng Yilinzhang 大乗義林章, as quoted by Saichō 最澄, along with his critique of the three periods teaching classification. Critiques of the three periods teaching classification by Sanron Sect 三論宗 monks such as Chikō 智光 and Gen’ei 玄叡 are also analyzed. Finally, we examine the reaction of the medieval Hossō Sect 法相宗 to the aforementioned criticisms of the three periods teaching classification.
The discussion of this issue in Japanese Buddhism was prompted by the close doctrinal negotiations between the Sanron, Tendai 天台, and Hossō sects. The negotiations were based on the understanding of the Prajñāpāramitā teaching in the Tang dynasty’s Faxiang school.
