성실론사의 삼종중도(三種中道)와 혜균의 비판

Abstract

This paper aims to reconstruct the Chengshi masters’ original Threefold Middle Way doctrine in the Southern Dynasties, grounded in the chapter titled “Meaning of Eightfold Negation” (八不義) in Hegyun’s work Daeseung saron hyeonui gi (大乘四論玄義記). It further examines Hyegyun’s critique of the doctrine. The Threefold Middle Way amalgamates two disparate interpretations of the middle way—at the level of the conventional (世諦中道) and ultimate truth (眞諦中道)—through the middle way as a combination of both previous levels (二諦合名中道). It has predominantly been studied in the context of the Sanlun School’s doctrines. However, it is important to note that this doctrine finds its roots in the Chengshi masters’ interpretation of the middle way, rather than being an original concept of the Sanlun scholars. In the “Meaning of Eightfold Negation,” Hyegyun lays the groundwork for an objective understanding of the Threefold Middle Way of that era. He does this by elucidating the overall characteristics of this theory and referencing specific passages from Zhizang’s Yishu (義疏). Hyegyun then delves into an in-depth analysis of the Chengshi masters’ Threefold Middle Way, identifying and discussing the intrinsic issues in the various interpretations at each level. First, he critiques the approach for its simplistic juxtaposition of opposing elements. Second, he highlights the inherent contradictions in the middle way at the level of ultimate truth, especially its reliance on names, while concurrently being devoid of them. Finally, he criticizes the distorted interpretation of the middle way as merely abandoning two extremes. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the Threefold Middle Way doctrine of the Chengshi masters, offering insights into how the understanding of the middle way differs between the Chengshi and Sanlun Schools, enriched by an analysis of Hyegyun’s critical perspective on the Threefold Middle Way.