About 性相通說（選錄序文）
Ming · by 德清述
510 · about 2 min
The Treatise on the Nature and Characteristics is a Buddhist scripture composed by the eminent Ming dynasty monk Hanshan Deqing. Authored during the late Ming Buddhist revival, this work integrates Huayan and Chan thought, systematically elucidating the profound principle of the non-duality of nature and characteristics. Based on the Characteristics School of Consciousness-Only doctrine, Deqing penetrates the principle of the Dharma-nature and Suchness, advocating the harmonization of nature and characteristics and the non-obstruction of principle and phenomena. Its content encompasses teachings such as the analysis of mind-consciousness and the mutual inclusion of truth and illusion, dismantling attachments to the dualistic distinctions between the Nature and Characteristics Schools. As a significant text of Ming-Qing Buddhist thought, this book profoundly influenced later developments in the harmonized understanding of nature and characteristics. It is acclaimed as a model work reconciling the debates between Chan and doctrinal teachings, holding a pivotal position in the philosophical system of Chinese Buddhism that connects preceding and succeeding traditions.