A Study Of "Vimalakirti"

This dissertation is a detailed study of the Vimalakirti Sutra, focusing on such main characters in the Sutra as Vimalakirti, Maharatnakuta, Manjusri, and the ten principal disciples of Shakyamuni Buddha. The purpose is to explain in a literary sense, based on the doctrines contained in this sutra and some other related sutras, the Inconceivable Dharma Door to Liberation of Mahayana Buddhism. In addition, this dissertation also explores why the Sutra has become, since its first introduction into China in the second century, one of the most popular Buddhist sutras among monastics, laity, as well as secular literati through the ages.The dissertation is divided into four chapters. The first chapter introduces the Vimalakirti Sutra as one of the earliest sacred texts of Mahayana Buddhism in India. The Sutra was translated into Chinese at the early stage of development of Buddhism in China and has enjoyed a great popularity that can be evidenced by the wide variety of translations and commentaries. This means the Vimalakirti Sutra has an important place in the history of Chinese Buddhism.The second chapter mainly investigates the doctrines of "Purity of the mind equals to the purity of the Buddha’s land" and "All sentient beings are Bodhisattvas" conveyed in the Vimalakirti Sutra. In pursuit of the pure land, as the Sutra instructs, one must follow the bodhisattva path, which is the most important and practical way to salvation for Mahayana Buddhists.The third chapter examines the inconceivable quality of the Mahayana Buddhist teachings. As the Vimalakirti Sutra shows, the layman Vimalakirti likes to lecture in front of clergy and laity, and he intends to reprove Shakyamuni Buddha’s disciples for their misunderstanding of the Dharma. With a unique personality and some unusual behaviors, Vimalakirti proves to be a good example of Bodhisattva, symbolizing the inconceivable nature of Mahayana Buddhism.The fourth chapter explores the core doctrine of Mahayana Buddhism: non-duality. The doctrine emphasizes:1) all sentient beings have the ability to attain Buddhahood;2) the Dharma is not apart from this world;3) Bodhisattvas should have compassion to free all sentient beings from suffering; and4) the Land of Ultimate Bliss exists right in this earthly world. This doctrine has great impact on Chan Buddhism, which can be utterly attested by the Chan scriptures, especially the Platform Sutra. The Vimalakirti Sutra teaches the doctrine by featuring the layman Vimalakirti who, in his illness, engages in interesting dialogues with his visitors and elucidates Buddhist teachings in an allegorical way, which renders the Sutra a distinctive quality of fiction and drama.