The Research On The Sinicization Of Buddhism From The Gratitude Sutra

The Gratitude Sutra which is widely accepted in China is not only a kind of Filial Piety of Buddhism but a kind of Jataka. The Gratitude Sutra is not written by Chinese, but this Sutra shows many features of Buddhism Sinicized on many levels.Firstly, The Gratitude Sutra advocates filial piety in ethical terms. The sutra illustrated the asceticism of Buddha’s filial piety by Sacrifice Jataka. In the view of retribution theory, Sacrifice can be done to save all creatures. The theory of Sacrifice, which affects Confucianism, is widely accepted by Chinese.Secondly, The Gratitude Sutra advocates gratitude in logical terms. The logic of Jataka develop into good and evil will always be rewarded which is generally accepted by Chinese from Indian belief. Therefore, gratitude starts to become rational. On this basis, The Gratitude Sutra pays more attention to gratitude from the perspective of ontology. Gratitude has also become a method of practice.Thirdly, The Gratitude Sutra advocates skillfulness in enlightenment. The sutra illustrated magical skillfulness by Devadatta’s Jataka. Devadatta is considered to an evil person in Theravada Buddhism, but an Bodhisattva in Mahayana Buddhism. Bodhisattva helps countless beings by magical skillfulness. It could also suggest that filial piety and gratitude are skillfulness.Lastly, The Gratitude Sutra advocates intention in Nirvana. The sutra illustrated easy ways by Jataka of intention. From tiny wish come true to great hopes about save all living beings, it’s pretty clear that the way from Theravada Buddhism to Mahayana Buddhism. Vydkarana are increasing gradually. At last, the easy ways become the method of practice of the belief of Pure Land. A focused thought of true belief can make you Nirvana.Because of fit for the culture and philosophy of China, The Gratitude Sutra achieve great success in China. From the sinicization of Buddhism in The Gratitude Sutra, we can found the trend that Mahayana Buddhism’s secularization by itself coincided with Traditional Chinese Culture.