Three Praises of Ouyi (蕅益三頌)

About 蕅益三頌

Ming · by 智旭述並序　三頌為華嚴．楞嚴．法華　有偶拈問答及重刻自跋

9,991 · about 33 min

The Three Praises of Ouyi is a Buddhist scripture composed by the eminent monk Zhixu of the late Ming Dynasty. Master Zhixu lived during the revival of Buddhism in the late Ming period. Having deeply studied the scriptural canon, he authored this work to elucidate the profound meanings of Mahayana teachings. The entire text consists of three parts: Praises on the Avataṃsaka Sūtra, Praises on the Śūraṅgama Sūtra, and Praises on the Lotus Sutra. It distills the profound principles of these three core scriptures in the form of poetic verses, accompanied by occasional questions and answers as well as a reprinting colophon, resolving doubts through dialogue and illuminating his experiential insights from practice. This work systematically summarizes Buddhist doctrines such as the perfect harmony of nature and characteristics and the three contemplations in one mind. It holds a significant position in Buddhist history, serving as an authoritative introductory guide to understanding the essence of the Avataṃsaka, Śūraṅgama, and Lotus Sūtra traditions, providing later learners with a clear path for study and practice.