『법화경』에 설해진 붓다의 보살행에 대한 주석적 연구 검토

Abstract

The bodhisattva practice (bodhisattvacāryā) refers to a practice carried out by a bodhisattva to seek supreme enlightenment and save sentient beings; the bodhisattva attains buddhahood as a result of this practice. Therefore, we can establish a causal relationship between the bodhisattva practice and buddhahood. The Sanskrit version of the “Lifespan of the Tathāgata” chapter of the Lotus Sutra (saddharmapuṇḍarīkasūtra), however, says that the Buddha himself has not accomplished his ancient bodhisattva practice. The same thesis is also presented in Vasubandhu’s Commentary on the Lotus Sutra (Saddharmapuṇḍarīkopadeśa, Fahua jing lun 法華經論). The Chinese translation of the Lotus Sutra, namely Miaofa lianhua jing 妙法蓮華經, by contrast, states that the lifespan attained by the Buddha through his bodhisattva practice has not been exhausted yet. This paper intends to examine the various hermeneutical possibilities on the topic of the Buddha’s bodhisattva practice. First, interpretations made by the East Asian commentators, such as Zhiyi 智顗, Jizang 吉藏, Kuiji 窺基, and Wonhyo 元曉, on the relevant passages of Vasubandhu’s Commentary on the Lotus Sutra will be examined. Interpretations made by the researchers on the Sanskrit version of the Lotus Sutra will also be analyzed. Although the commentators and researchers are not necessarily in agreement about their views, all of them acknowledge that the bodhisattva practice has a very important meaning in the Lotus Sutra. The Lotus Sutra is widely known, and the “Lifespan of the Tathāgata” chapter is very important in this sutra. The Buddha's bodhisattva practice referred to in this chapter is, however, not given much attention. However, the Lotus Sutra’s declaration that the Buddha himself is still performing the bodhisattva practice can be understood as a passage that touches upon a very essential aspect of our religious practice and salvation. In this paper, I clearly reveal this important aspect by reviewing exegetical studies.