Yin Shun Mage Of Buddhism

Humanistic Buddhism is the most popular modern Buddhist theory in the Mainland, Taiwan and Hong Kong. Whereas, it’s doctrinal hermeneutics is also multi-variant and confused. In order to clear up all these differences, we should transcend the textual interpretation, and unearth the Meta-problem of each practitioner. They are:what things made them feel uncertain、the way how did they think、and what conclusion did they arrive at? This is the only right way for us to understand their theories, and evaluate their contributions in modern society. This method is especially important for Yinshun (1906-2005), because his thoughts are misunderstood in two aspects. First, regarded as the inherit of Humanistic Buddhism initiated by Taixu, Yinshun’s theory is placed under the political and economic environment of Chinese modern history. Secondly, treated as a monk scholar of academic methods, his Panjiao System (doctrinal classification) is studied subtly without any suspicion. These two approaches can’t grasp what Yinshun real suggests. In my dissertation, I will explore a new angle to follow Yinshun’s way of thinking. Although the results maybe the same with other researchers, Yinshun’s theory will be placed on a more stable base, which is his real apprehension.The dissertation will answer two questions. What is the religious ideas of Chinese people、its history、and the challenge it faced with in the modern history, is the first question. Only when we have a clear understanding of it, can we discover the real role Buddhism acted, and the exact contribution Yinshun made. In chapter one, I hold that Chinese religion is quiet different from that of Western. We should not be restricted to the concept of Western scholar, and should face up directly to the religious needs of Chinese people. Thus, can we tell the differences between some masters in that rapid changed era. Liang Qichao found out the culture significance of Buddhism, whereas Taixu and Yinshun brought the religious aspect into focus. Taixu attempted to maintain the traditional framework of Chinese religion, which was strongly criticized by Yinshun. He subverted it and reinterpreted some of the most important concepts of traditional Buddhism in order to show his purpose that only this pure Buddhism can achieve the ultimate salvation of Human Being.The second question, what Yinshun’s comprehension is, will be answered in Chapter Two、Three、and Four. In Chapter Two, the low opinion of Christianity, Taoism, and Confucianism is introduced. Through which, Yinshun criticized the metaphysics thinking way thoroughly. Chapter Three will analyses Yinshun’s new Buddhism system. The core proposition is Pratitya-samutpada Shunyata. That is to say, all phenomena arise in dependence upon conditions and they have no being of their own and are empty of a permanent self. From this core proposition, a theory of knowledge which is called meditation on the mean, and a practice theory which is called the way of bodhisattva are developed. This Buddhism system is no longer metaphysics. It holds an unhindered opinion between taking part in human community and nirvana character, which means beyond the world. This is the key point of the thought of Yinshun’s Humanistic Buddhism, which can distinguish other scholar’s humanistic idea. In Chapter Four, I will go deep into the foundation of Yinshun’s apprehension. Under the circumstance of the rapid variation of Chinese culture, Yinshun reinterpreted the traditional concepts of the Three Seals of Buddha Truth、Jataka (stories) of Buddha Shakyamuni、and the Pure Land, in order to meet the needs of the modern society. In one hand, it is critical of traditional Buddhism, in other hand, it is accord with the Pure Buddhism and the times. All the doctrines of Yinshun’s books, are the expression of this interpretation.In Chapter Five, I will make above two questions into consideration. According to Yinshun, his critical of metaphysics and the reconstruction of Humanistic Buddhism are valid. Whereas it is a big problem how his thoughts would become the public will and the guide line of other Buddhists. So my conclusion is that it is far away from the success of Yinshun if his followers just rest satisfied with the works he has made. The reason why Humanistic Buddhism is multi-variant and confused derives from the different ideas of religion. This should be paid more attention in the following research. The answer of how a new construction of Chinese Religion will be is in that development.