佛性의 本質과 衆生의 關係 - 『寶性論』의 「一切衆生如來藏品」을 中心으로-

Abstract

Tathagata-Garbha doctrine is the theory based on the assumption that all sentient beings have Buddha-nature and therefore, they have the possibility of becoming a Buddha. In this behalf, Ratnagotra-vibhāga is the commentary that systemized the doctrine of Tathagata-Garbha. And particularly, in the 5th chapter of this work which is titled 「All sentient beings have Tathagata-Garbha chapter(一切衆生有如來藏品)」 the way of recognizing Buddha-nature is analyzed by 10 kinds of meanings and 3 kinds of self-nature(自性). Therefore the way of recognizing the Buddha-nature in the Ratnagotra-vibhāga and how Tathagata-Garbha and sentient beings are related are examined in this paper. About the substance of Tathagata-Garbha, the Ratnagotra-vibhāga reveals that Dharma-body(法身) with clean nature is pervasive in all sentient beings, and there is no discrimination in the Buddha-nature and sentient beings, and all sentient beings have the Buddha-nature the possibility of attaining Buddhahood. This emphasizes the faith that sentient beings have the Buddha-nature which is universal and invariable, therefore they should practice Tathata (true-self) in order to complete it. Also, by analyzing the manifestation of Buddha-nature in terms of self-nature · cause(因) · result(果) · karma · association(相應) · act(行) · time distinction(時差別) · pervasive in all places(遍一切處) · permanence non-dualism(不變不異) · indiscrimination(無差別), it says that sentient beings have the factor to attain Dharma-body. So Buddha should enlighten sentient beings and sentient beings need to develop the Buddha-nature through practice. As shown above, the Ratnagotra-vibhāga which is the early commentary on Tathagata-Garbha argues that sentient beings can be a Buddha through the connection point called Tathagata-Garbha while emphasizing the homogeneity between sentient beings and Buddha. That is, it described the relationship between sentient beings and Tathagata-Garbha, stressing that practice based on firm belief is needed to manifest the Buddha-nature.