Discernment of Errors Collection (辨非集)

About 辨非集

Song · by 善熹述

6,712 · about 22 min

The "Collection of Discriminating the Erroneous" was composed by the monk Shanxi during the Southern Song dynasty. It is an important treatise that analyzes and critiques internal heterodox views and misunderstandings within Buddhism. Grounded in the intellectual context of Song-dynasty Buddhist thought, the work primarily refutes certain viewpoints that deviated from orthodox doctrine at the time, with particular focus on addressing perceived shortcomings within the Chan and Pure Land traditions. It emphasizes a return to scriptural authority and correct faith in practice. Through rigorous logic and doctrinal argumentation, Shanxi sought to safeguard the purity of Buddhist teaching, exerting a profound influence on the later development of Buddhist doctrinal studies and inter-sect dialogue. This work is regarded as one of the representative texts of Buddhist apologetic literature from the Song dynasty and holds a significant place in the history of Buddhist thought.