This thesis argues against the idea that “where there is principle (li) it is dhatu-vada, and that is not Buddhism.” As far as Zhiyi (智〓) is concerned, he does not perceive that principle exists separately from self. For him, there is no self that beholds principle, and no principle that is observed; principle is recognized in a state beyond existence and nonexistence. Zhiyi's concept is that principle is not with others but with oneself and becomes evident while living within the teachings of Buddha's way. From the above points, it is possible to argue that for Zhiyi, the principle is not a perception that basically exists, and it is not dhatu-vada.
