Korea Journal of Buddhist Studies ISSN:1598-0642(Print) 불교학연구

Whenever we take a look at the thoughts of Chinese Buddhist philosophers, one of the most effective methods to approach their ideas is to understand their doctrinal classifications. Despite much criticism,studying their doctrinal classifications are still the easiest way to comprehend their ideas. In this paper, I inquire into the doctrinal classification of Li Tongxuan. The third patriarch Hua-yen School, Fa-tsang(法藏) is Li Tongxuan’scontemporary. Li Tongxuan, as a lay Buddhist practioner, he devoted himself to the study of both research and practice of the Avataṃsaka-sūtra. Most of the previous researches insist that Li Tongxuan was influenced by Fa-tsang in the fundamental theory. Apart from Fa-tsang, Li Tongxuan interpreted independently the Avataṃsaka-sūtra in terms of a unique and practical perspective. Li Tongxuan’s classification consists of Ten Schools(十宗) and Ten Doctrines(十敎). The reason why he classified them this way is that the Avataṃsaka-sūtra has a relatively clear difference from other sutras. He makes his classification, placing emphasis on the distinct character of ‘sudden enlightenment’ in the Avataṃsaka-sūtra. His concern is not the explanation of each doctrine but an independent and subjective approach to enlightenment.On this standpoint, he defined Ten Schools as ‘sudden enlightenment(頓悟成佛),’ and ‘Ten Doctrines’ as ‘instantaneous enlightenment(刹那成佛).’ Actually, these two are not different but fundamentally all the same. However, for convenience’s sake, I explained it separately. Li Tongxuan’s classification seems to lack logic and systematic analysis compared to Fa-tsang’s doctrinal classification. Also it lacks objectivity because of his excessive stress on the Avataṃsaka-sūtra. However, his practical standpoint fully corresponds to the teachings of the Avataṃsaka-sūtra.He strongly emphasizes ‘original Buddhahood(本來成佛)’ through explaining ‘sudden enlightenment’ and ‘instantaneous enlightenment.’ With this theory, he provides us with a clear and distinct way of practice. In conclusion, his practical standpoint exactly reflects the core idea of the Seon School which ultimately seeks enlightenment subjectively.