Tang · by 明曠記 日本 辯才會
17,725 · about 59 min
The Private Commentary on the Vajrasūci Treatise is a Buddhist commentary composed by the eminent Tang dynasty monk Mingkuang, later compiled and transmitted by the Japanese monk Benkai-e. Based on the Tiantai school's philosophy, this work systematically elucidates the Vajrasūci Treatise, primarily exploring core doctrines such as buddha-nature theory and śamatha-vipaśyanā (calm abiding and insight) practice, emphasizing the equality of all sentient beings in possessing buddha-nature. As a significant scholar of the Tiantai tradition, Mingkuang's annotations integrate the teachings of Master Zhiyi, bearing distinct sectarian characteristics. This text holds an important position in the development of Buddhist doctrinal studies during the Tang dynasty, serving as a key source for researching the Tiantai system of śamatha-vipaśyanā and buddha-nature thought. Preserved and propagated by Japanese monks, it profoundly influenced the spread of Buddhist thought in East Asia. The extant versions provide invaluable material for studying the intellectual history of Tang and Song dynasty Buddhism.