A Study On The Temple Economy Of The Inexhaustible Treasury In Sanjie Jiao

Sanjie Jiao (Three Stages School), a school of Buddhism based on Buddhist eschatology,was founded in China by the Zen master Hsin-hsing. The name Sanjie Jiao originated fromthe Chinese tradition of organizing the Buddhist teachings. It divided Dharma teachings, theworld, and the basic religious capacity of all beings into three stages in chronological order,and the current stage belonged to the latter age of “degenerate Dharma”. The basic religiouscapacity of all beings determines that respecting every sutra and all sentient life should bepursued. Universal and continuous donation to the “Inexhaustible Treasury” should bepracticed.The Inexhaustible Treasury was established in Sanjie Jiao to collect followers’ donationand to repair nationwide monasteries, offer relief to the sick and destitute, and support monks.With the Inexhaustible Treasury as its financial institution managing its income and expenses,Sanjie Jiao developed the temple economy of the Inexhaustible Treasury. As an importantform of temple economy, the Inexhaustible Treasury was a product of Buddhism complyingwith the trend of the times. Its development was also a measure to cope with the weakening ofthe sacredness of religions resulting from the secularization of temple manor economy.The temple economy of the Inexhaustible Treasury in Sanjie Jiao has the followingcharacteristics: firstly, donation is the key financial operation model; secondly, devotion toBuddhism charities is highlighted; and thirdly, it has an extensive foundation of the broadmasses. While expanding its temple economy, Sanjie Jiao rebuilt the sacredness of Buddhismthrough ascetic practices and Buddhism charities, which exerted great influence on theconducts and thoughts of Buddhists in other sects.While Sanjie Jiao developing rapidly with the strong support from its temple economy, itwas surrounded by endless criticism. Its relatively radical teachings were attacked byBuddhists in other schools and eschatology ran counter to the feudal unity of Sui and Tangdynasties. Apart from that, its strong position in temple economy, dedication to Buddhismcharities as well as a solid mass foundation attracted suspicion from the government. Underthe combined actions from these factors, Sanjie Jiao was forbidden both financially and organizationally during the reign of Emperor Xuanzong, resulting in the proliferation oftemple manor economy. After the Huichang Persecution of Buddhism, temple manoreconomy suffered a heavy blow and the self-sufficient monastic economy featured by Zenicagriculture became prevalent.