Integral Harmony and Transcendence as Characters of South Chan Buddhism in Tang Dynasty: Xi Qian as an Example

Abstract

Chan Buddhism. as the most popular school of Buddhism in China. has integrated into Chinese culture successfully and become a denomination of localized Buddhism. Among the many prominent Chan Buddhists, Xi Qian in Tang Dynasty has made great contributions to the continuous development and advancement of Chan Buddhism in China. In this thesis a diachronic research is made both on his learning and practice, and on his teaching method of Chan, through which the joints of Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism are unsealed in Chinese thought history. Furtherly a probable explanation is provided for the reasons and effects of the integration of Chan Buddhism with Confucianism and Taoism in China through Xi Qian's efforts. The thesis holds that the self-confidence and Chan practice advocated by Xi Qian, and at the same time the adaptation to the social and cultural tradition as well as the economic reform of the day has considerably promoted the tri-combination, and thus deepened and broadened Chinese culture.