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

The theory of sudden enlightenment(頓悟說) was first proposed by Dao-sheng(道生), who is also remembered for asserting the doctrine of Buddha-nature(佛性論). Dao-sheng’ s theory represents a uniquely Chinese appropriation of Buddhist enlightenment. It’s sudden character derives from the fact that the principle of truth(理) to which one is enlightened is the single ultimate(一極). Dao-sheng’s theory of sudden enlightenment is based on the assumption that enlightenment can only be realized in its entirety. The theory of sudden enlightenment is well demonstrated by Xie, Ling-yun’s(謝靈運) defense of Dao-sheng’s theory in his Bian-zong-lun(辯宗論), written in the early decades of the fifth century. After that, Dao-sheng’s introduction of sudden enlightenment gave rise to discussions on enlightenment between the ideas of sudden and gradual enlightenment. Moreover, Dao-sheng’s theory of enlightenment deeply influenced early Chan Buddhism.