On A Zen Thinking Matsu Road

In the Middle of Tang Dynasty, a famous Zen master Matsu Daoyi with the richestpersonality, vitality and creativity, become one of the most prestige and influencedcharacters in the history of Chinese Zen. Since his times, the Chinese Zen has changeddramatically in many aspects which including the philosophy of teaching, the method ofeducating, the range of meditation and the mode of live, it takes Chinese Zen graduallyinto a prosperous situation. Matsu Daoyi plays an important linker role in the history ofthe Chinese Zen.“Heart truth is the buddha”,“Non-heart-Buddha”and “Sense of balance is Buddha”are the three components of Matsu Daoyi’s theoretical propositions.“Heart truth is thebuddha” inherit the ideological theory of Buddhist prophets. Matsu Daoyi develop andinnovate “Heart truth is the buddha”. Matsu Daoyi pioneered the other thinking of Zenwhich includes “Non-heart-Buddha” and “Sense of balance is Buddha”.“Non-heart-Buddha” guides scholars to beyond dedication. As a theoreticalachievements, the “sense of balance is Buddha” had profound impact not only on chinabut also in the history of Buddhism. HongZhou Zen, created by Matsu Daoyi, forms anew situation in many section.Compatible with his innovated theory in the thinking of Zen, Matsu Daoyi changeand innovate the Path of Meditation enlightenment: Open teaching became asking andanswering in everywhere opportunity, verbal instructions changed action guidance,classic Zen was transformed from master’s interpretation of the theory into the record ofthe guru’s words and deeds. The Buddhist thought was closely integrated with daily life;it expanded the influence of Zen. The innovation of meditation and cultivation ways notonly embodies the creation of the Buddhism Thought but also becomes an organiccomponent of his Buddhism Thought.This paper main contents is divided into six chapters. The first chapter introducesthe historical origins of Matsu’s Buddhism thought. The second chapter describes thewhole life of Matsu Daoyi and his teaching activities. The third chapter elaborates theinheritance and innovation of Matsu Daoyi’s Buddhism thought from ancestors’ thought.The forth chapter displays the transformation of the method of education. The fifthchapter introduces the development of Matsu Daoyi’s Buddhism Thought created by hisdisciples. Last but not least, reveals Matsu Daoyi’s special Zen status and his great contribution to the Chinese Buddhism. From historical and logic aspects, the textsystematically discourses the historical origin, the development and the influence ofMatsu Daoyi’s thought.This paper takes the process of learning and teaching Buddhism Thought as a clue,with historical and logic method, analyzes the historical origins and the far-reachingimpact of Matsu Daoyi’s Buddhism Thought, highlights Matsu Daoyi’s inheritance anddevelopment on the aspects of the Buddhism Thought and education methods, in orderto reveal his important status in Zen history and the great contribution to the Buddhismof China.