중국초기불교의 佛性사상 ―『大般涅槃經集解』를 중심으로

Abstract

The idea of Buddha-nature played a very important role in the historical development of early Chinese Buddhism. During the early years of 5thcentury, the doctrinal interest of Chinese Buddhism moved from the study of the notions of Prajñāand Mādhyamaka to the study of those of nirvana and Buddhanature,subsequent development of the discussions on Buddhanature becoming involved accordingly into the theory of actual practice in relation with the problem of how to become a Buddha. Prior to the discussion on the method of particular practice, however, there first developed a lively discussion on the basis of becoming a Buddha, as the foundation of the theory of becoming a Buddha. In the Mahāparinirvāṇa Sūtra , there arose a causal interpretation on Buddha-nature as a way of discussing the possibility of becoming a Buddha. From such a causal interpretation on Buddha-nature, there developed the thought of taking refuge in the Three Jewels within each of us. The above discussion on Buddha-nature in early Chinese Buddhism directly influenced the studies of the Three Treatises, the Treatise on the Ten Stages Sutra (the Daśabhūmikasūtra-śāstra) , and the Huayan Thoughts, constructing an important the oretical foundation for the subsequent development and evolution of the thoughts of the Tiantai and Chan Schools that emphasize actual practice.