On The Nirvana Theory Of Guan Ding

Although Guan Ding spent most energy of his lifetime on clearing up Zhi Yi's works, so that he only left a few works, in his works, he put attention to the Nirvana theory, which demonstrated his different Buddhist Purport from Zhi Yi's. Past scholars studied Guan Ding, which stressed on his contribution to clearing up Zhi Yi's theory, but were short of studying his Nirvana theory. This paper which is based on the previous scholar's studies tries to make profound reflection and explanation on the Nirvana theory of Guan Ding as well as its significance. The paper believes that the Nirvana theory of Guan Ding was established on the background of the rising of the three cases and the flourishing of the Nirvana theory, based on the core theory of Tian Tai School as"Buddha Nature including Subject"and"Three Dogmas Unity", to the prevalent view about the"Nirvana factually exists". Out of the originality on the Nirvana theory, especial the new explanation about"Two-Birds both flying", Guan Ding not only enriched the theory of Tian Tai school, which had led the Chinese Buddhism on the Nirvana theory to a new height, but also unified Nirvana scholars of the internal Buddhism, thereby ensuring the consolidation and development of Tian Tai school in its earlier period.