The Panjiao (Doctrinal Classification) Practice of Huayan Chinese Buddhism

Panjiao ??, or “doctrinal classification” is a practice unique to Chinese Buddhism that was established during the early period when Buddhism spread to China. Panjiao allows a Buddhist school to envision its place (usually at the supreme position) in the overall Buddhist tradition. Panjiao represents the broadest look of a philosopher vis-à-vis the entire doctrinal landscape of Buddhism and is therefore a valuable source to see the panorama of the early intellectual history of Buddhism. Panjiao also offers rich insights into the self-perception of a tradition, as to what unites and separates it from other traditions. In the act of comparing and ranking doctrines, doctrinal nuances often become clearly articulated, which are missing in the formal teaching of that tradition.

The present study focuses on the panjiao of Huayan Buddhism through the texts of Fazang ?? (643-712), the third Huayan patriarch. In particular, I will translate and annotate Fazang’s youxin fajie ji ????? and passages from other texts that bear on panjiao.

Faculty Supervisor:

Jinhua Chen

Student:

Partner:

École Pratique des Hautes Études

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Education

University:

The University of British Columbia

Program: