당대 선자들의 機緣 문답과 깨달음

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to investigate cases of Chan enlightenment by analyzing dialogues exchanged between disciples of Mazu and Shitou of the Huineng lineage during Tang China. This investigation will allow us to grasp how the original form of Tang Chan and practitioners’ enlightenment were expressed. To reach this purpose I examine such texts as the Zutang ji 祖堂集 published in 1245, and the Jingdae chuandeng lu 景德傳燈錄 compiled in 1004. To examine developmental aspects of both Mazu and Shitou lineages, I conclude that both arrive at the Chan emphasizing emptiness of prajñā with an ideological axis of “mind is in itself the Buddha 卽心卽佛.” Mazu and Shitou first of all reveal characteristics of conflicting tendencies: the former asserts ‘the function is in itself the original nature,’ whereas the latter, ‘the mind excluding its function is the original nature.’ And Shitou also used a method of unexpectedly calling back, to arouse a sudden enlightenment, when his disciple was doubtful about his teaching. However, there occurred some changes in terms of teaching among each of the lineages. In the Mazu lineage “no mind no Buddha 非心非佛” or “not this thing 不是物” emerged while categorically negating “the mind is in itself the Buddha.” And in the Shitou lineage the Chan emphasizing “non-discrimination” or “casting off 放下” appeared from “this very thing (the original nature).” Nevertheless, all these forms of Chan ultimately aim at “seeing the Buddha in everyday life.” Like this, superb Chan masters in the Tang era did not try to expound Chan but guided their students into enlightenment by using dialogues. Viewed in this light, these dialogues between Chan practitioners acted as opportunities for enlightenment.