On The Theoretical Characteristics Of Zhu Tao-sheng's Buddha-gotra Thoughts

As a very important thinker in the Chinese Buddhist history, Zhu Tao-sheng embraces the buddha-gotra thoughts as his most distinguished theory. And the paper mainly deals with the theoretical characteristics of Zhu Tao-sheng's buddha-gotra thoughts, containing three parts.Part one is about the summary and characteristics of the development of the buddha-gotra thoughts, both in India and in China. Buddha-gotra thoughts probably originate from the Mahayana Buddhism, and are not thought highly of, so they are on a restricted position in India. Also, they believe that icchatika cannot be a buddha. While in China, the theory of spiritual being always prevails, so the buddha-gotra thoughts are well welcomed, especially after Zhu Tao-sheng firstly raises the point that icchahtika can be a buddha, the view that all can be a buddha becomes fashionable in the field of Chinese Buddhism.Part two is about the main points and characteristics of Zhu Tao-sheng's buddha-gotra thoughts. By the use of deyi from dark learning, he explains the Buddhist scripture and establishes the buddha-gotra theory. He has a thorough and profound grasp of s/u(?)nya and being, and combines the theory of Dharmata(?) and Nirva(?)n!a, and raises the view that dharmata is nirva(?)n!a, which is the main character of his buddha-gotra thoughts. Furthermore, he explains Buddhism by the conceptions of principles and nature, which makes the buddha-gotra thoughts easier to be accepted and also shows the Chinese characteristics of his theory. Also, he raises the views that icchahtika has buddha-gotra and that sudden enlightenment can make a buddha on that base, indeed, he has a series of theoretical creations.Part three is about the commentaries of the significance of Zhu Daosheng's buddhata thoughts. Facing the serious class contradictions in the society, Zhu Tao-sheng gives publicity to the thought of equality in religious belief, showing the social humanistic concern from Buddhism. In theory, he firstly explores a field of sudden enlightenment, making deep-reaching impact on the theory of Buddhism from his descendants, chan school in particular.