A Study Of The Circle Photos Of Eminent Monks In The Tang Dynasty

There were many eminent monks in the Tang dynasty who contributed to the promulgation and development of Chinese Buddhism.Yuanzhao(728-809)is one of these eminent monks.In 778,Yuanzhao participated in assessing the new and old commentaries of the " Vinaya in Four Parts(???)".In 786,Yuanzhao and Zhisheng(??)ordained Duanfu(??).Having lived through six Tang reign periods,Xuan,Su,Dai,De,Shun,and Xian,Yuan Zhao received recognition from many emperors.They include the purple robe and multiple distinguished official titles.He took part in all of the sutra translations during the Zhenyuan era(785-805).In addition to translating Buddhist scriptures,Yuanzhao also authored many books,such as "Gaozhong Zhijingshi Ximingsi Zhilingji","Jingyun Xiantian Kaiyuan Tianbao Gaozhiji","Suzong Zhizhi Beibiaoji","Daizong Zhizhi Beibiaoji","Zengsikong Shi Dabianzheng Daguangzhi Bukong Sanzang Beibiaoji","Dasheng Liqu Liu Bolomiduo Jing Yinyi","Sanjiao Fawang Cunmo Niandai Benji","Zaixiu Shijia Mouni Fo Fawang Benji","Tangchao Chuanfa Sanxue Dade Beijiji"," Xu Kaiyuanlu","Zhenyuan Xinlu".Among his work,the "Supplement to the Kaiyuan Catalog"?Xu Kaiyuanlu,?????and "The New Zhenyuan Catalog"((Zhenyuan Xinlu,?????are his masterpieces.The "Supplement to the Kaiyuan Catalog" was composed in 794,65 years after Zhisheng's "Kaiyuan Catalog"(Kaiyuan Shi Jiaolu,??????.It includes 288 fascicles of newly published Buddhist scriptures at that time."The New Zhenyuan Catalog," comprised of 30 fascicles,was written in 799.It appends biographical information of Tang monks,along with the sutras translated by them,to the "Kaiyuan Catalog." Yuanzhao is a well-known monk in mid-Tang.By studying his biography and writings,we can gain insights into the disputes within the Vinaya schools,the settings of sutra translation,and the evolving relationship between monks and emperors in mid-Tang.In summary,the study of Yuanzhao will help us understand the progress and dissemination of Buddhism during the mid-Tang period.