성실학파의 ‘二諦相即’에 대한 사상적 고찰

Abstract

“Xiangji” is one of the essential concepts in Chinese philosophy. It was first formed to describe the relationship between the two truths after Buddhism was introduced to China. Although the Xiangji philosophy of the two truths originated from the phrase, “What is form that is emptiness, what is emptiness that is form (色卽是空, 空卽是色)” in the Prajnaparamitas, it became the subject of discussions as an independently founded concept, later around the 5th century. Of the earliest discussions concerning the Xiangji philosophy of the two truths, the most renowned arguments were presented by the Chengshi School. They succeeded in defining the particular meaning of the Xiangji with regard to the two truths through various debates. One of the most valued contributions came from Zhizang(458-522) who interpreted “ji” as “be equal to”, based on the thought that the two truths are completely equal. Sengchuo, however, interpreted “ji” as “inseparable”, thereby claiming that the two truths were ultimately different. Sengmin (467-527) offered a different understanding by confining the meaning of “ji” to “undifferentiated”, and being dependent certain conditions. Ultimately, the Xiangji theory of the Chengshi School became an irreplaceable cornerstone of the Xiangji theory that evolved in later Chinese philosophy.