A Study On Lay Buddhism Of Gongan San Yuan In Late Ming Dynasty

The subject of this thesis is Lay Buddhism in the Late Ming Dynasty in which Gongan San Yuan is the key persons.As we know, Gongan San Yuan ( that is Yuan Zongdao, Yuan Hongdao, Yuan Zhongdao three brothers) in Late Ming Dynasty is always paid attention and studied by successors through the view of literary characters. This thesis tries to do some research from the perspective of history. Gongan San Yuan has always been famous as literary workers of "spirit-intelligence-faction". But their identity of Buddhists are seldom acknowledged. This thesis tries to cut into Gongan San Yuan's individual life history through the Buddhism angle, and gives an overall presentation of Gongan San Yuan's choices in learning and pattern of their lives.Buddhism belief is the feeling which is buried deepest in the heart of mankind. To Gongan San Yuan, from their literary stand of 'spirit-intelligence" to the personal integrity of preserving their own purity and their political practice, all is related closely with deep Buddhism belief. But their Buddhism belief is not the product of personal wills and thoughts, but is more presented as the individual living tactics of pursuing undisturbed in the realistic world. This thesis discusses Gongan San Yuan's Lay Buddhism style basing on such prerequisite.This thesis is divided into nine chapters.Chapter One, to fix the article's research scope, research motive and method, at the same time to briefly review and summarize the present research status and achievements, and then to present more clearly the research focus of this article.Chapter Two, to generally survey Ming Dynasty's Buddhism, especially Jushi Buddhism. The emphasis is to stress the prosperity of Late Ming Dynasty's Buddhism, and Jushi Buddhism's trend and effect in the society of Late Ming Dynasty.Chapter Three, through contrasting life courses of San Yuan to conclude that article, mountains and rivers, and Buddhism is the same subject among San Yuan; and at the same time this chapter points out San Yuan's uncle plays a very important effect on forming San Yuan's mental spirit. This chapter also tries to explore San Yuan's internal motive of study Buddhism through the perspective of "bitterness of life".Chapter Four, to mainly explore the relationship between Gongan San Yuan and Li Zhi. Li Zhi is a famous man in Late Ming Dynasty, who made critical impact on Gongan San Yuan's growing up. Through combing the relationship between Gongan San Yuan and Li Zhi, this chapter stresses Li Zhi's life style and the characteristic of his Buddhism, and then analyses his impact and consequence on San Yuan's Buddhism.Chapter Five, mainly focus on the relationship between Gongan San Yuan and Buddhist society.In Late Ming Dynasty,Buddhist society and elite mutually whipped up and became common practice of the day. San Yuan also had close tie with Buddhist society. But the difference is that, during the touch with Buddhists, San Yuan paid much attention to their own principles and independence. This shows both the deep-rooted sense of superiority in elite and their self-confidence in Buddhism. Thischapter also summarizes San Yuan's protect-Budda action, whose principal practice is telling Buddhist scriptures and colleting money for temples.Chapter Six pays attention to Jushi society surrounding San Yuan. Ming Dynasty scholars originally had such a prevailing practice of meeting and talking, and elite Buddist practice in Late Ming Dynasty also adopted such a form to study Buddhism together. Grape Organization is such a typical case. As main members of Grape Organization, San Yuan's accomplishment in Buddhiam was enhanced and thus affected their comrades. This chapter also gives examples of San Yuan's good friends Tao Wangling and Huang Hui, which shows some similar Buddhist characteristics of them.Chapter Seven, to mainly discuss Yuan Hongdao's Buddhist theory and its distinguishing feature. Yuan Hongdao's Buddhist theory changed many times in his life. This chapter takes the time as a clue, exploring how Yuan Hongdao touched into Buddhism, and how he...