Master Yongjue Yuanxian and the Revival of Chinese Buddhism in 17Th Century Fujian Area
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Between The Mundane and Super-Mundane: Master Yongjue Yuanxian and the Revival of Chinese Buddhism in 17th Century Fujian Area Item Type text; Electronic Dissertation Authors Glaze, Shyling Publisher The University of Arizona. Rights Copyright © is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the University Libraries, University of Arizona. Further transmission, reproduction or presentation (such as public display or performance) of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author. Download date 29/09/2021 02:44:48 Link to Item http://hdl.handle.net/10150/626639 BETWEEN THE MUNDANE AND SUPER-MUNDANE: MASTER YONGJUE YUANXIAN AND THE REVIVAL OF CHINESE BUDDHISM IN 17TH CENTURY FUJIAN AREA by Shyling Glaze _________________________ Copyright © Shyling Glaze 2017 A Dissertation Submitted to the Faculty of the DEPARTMENT OF EAST ASIAN STUDIES In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements For the Degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY In the Graduate College THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA 2017 STATEMENT BY AUTHOR This dissertation has been submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for an advanced degree at the University of Arizona and is deposited in the University Library to be made available to borrowers under rules of the library. Brief quotations from this dissertation are allowable without special permission, provided that an accurate acknowledgment of the source is made. Requests for permission for extended quotation from or reproduction of this manuscript in whole or in part may be granted by the head of the major department or the Dean of the Graduate College when in his or her judgment the proposed use of the material is in the interests of the scholarship. In all other instances, however, permission must be obtained from the author. SIGNED: Shyling Glaze 3 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS To study for a Ph.D. in the field of 17th century Chinese Buddhism in the Department of East Asian Studies of the University of Arizona is a special experience in my life. This experience has enhanced my life not only academically but also spiritually. It has broadened my perspective toward the world and increased my understanding towards the cultural and religious differences in life. I appreciate every experience I have encountered along the way and everyone I have had the opportunity to meet during my years of studying in the Department of East Asian Studies of the University of Arizona. First of all, I must thank my parents for their inspiration and guidance into the religious world. Their love and favors I can never fully return. I am also grateful for my husband's support and encouragement, without his understanding I would not have been able to complete my studies. Also to my son, who has willingly given his support. I feel so thankful to have all of you in my life. There are so many people in the EAS Department that I would like to express my appreciation to, starting with the Head of Department, Dr. Albert Welter, who has been so positive and open-minded to let me have the opportunity of teaching during the summer sections and the Study Abroad program. I would also like to express my appreciation to Dr. Jiang Wu, who has guided me, given me his valuable critiques and allowed me to borrow several of his books from his collection. Dr. Takashi Miura has also shared with me his knowledge about writing dissertations and has helped me with the syllabi for my classes. Dr. Feng-Hsi Liu has often given me her support and consideration, Dr. Alison Jameson has been so kind and understanding, and Dr. Noel Pinnington has been very supportive. Dr. Margaret Camp shared with me how to organize an effective D2L on-line course website. There are many other professors that I am indebted to with gratitude. I thank you all. I would also like to thank many of the administrative staff; the retired Graduate Service Coordinator Ms. Susana Ruiz, who had been so supportive and understanding, the Business & Finance Manager, Mr. Gennady Sare, for his kindness, the Graduate Service Coordinator, Mr. Frank Whitehead, who always answer my emails in no time at all, and the HR Coordinator, Ms. Melody Fischer, for her help and support in coordinating my defense. There are so many other individuals on the administrative staff that I am indebted to for their help. I appreciate all your efforts on my behalf. In addition, I also want to express appreciation to a few of the professors who have assisted me while I had the opportunity to do some brief research in Japan. Dr. Ishii Shūdō and Dr. Nagai Masashi kindly allowed me to join their seminars while I was in Tōkyō and also gave me several useful booklets of their articles on Buddhism. Dr. Noguchi Yoshitaka and Dr. Yanagi Mikiyasu spent precious time in their busy schedules to patiently answer my research questions. Dr. Noguchi also gave me a copy of a manuscript regarding Yongjue Yuanxian's Yiyan. I am indebted to their assistance and selfless kindness. 4 TABLE OF CONTENTS List of Abbreviations.....................................................................................................................6 Abstract.........................................................................................................................................7 Chapter One Introduction..........................................................................................................8 Chapter Two Yongjue Yuanxian's Life According to His Autobiography..............................35 Chapter Three The Nonsense Uttered in Dreams.......................................................................71 Chapter Four Ming Buddhist Masters and the Syncretism of the Three Teachings ..............104 Chapter Five Sinified Buddhism and Female Infanticide.......................................................134 Chapter Six The Record of Propagating Buddhism in Jianzhou...........................................160 Chapter Seven Conclusion................................................................................... .....................199 Bibliography...............................................................................................................................210 5 List of Abbreviations The following abbreviations are used for sources in the footnotes and dissertation: J Jiaxing da zang jing T Taishō shinshū daizōkyō X Shinsan dai Nihon Zokuzōkyō Guanglu Yongjue Yuanxian chanshi guanglu Xingye quji Fuzhou Gushan Baiyun feng Yongquan chansi Yongjue xiangong daheshang singye quji 6 Abstract Yongjue Yuanxian (1578-1657) was a Confucian scholar, an eminent 17th-century Buddhist Master, and a prolific writer who re-established the reputation of the Caodong Buddhism. This study investigates Yuanxian's life and his works: the Shou ta ming (Inscription of the Longevity Stupa), the Yiyan (Nonsense Uttered in Dreams), the Jie ni nü (To Refrain from Drowning Female Infants), and the Jianzhou hongshi lu (Record of Propagating Buddhism in Jianzhou). This research unfolds Yuanxian's Confucian and Buddhist backgrounds as well as his impact through his writings on both the mundane and super-mundane worlds. The Shou ta ming gives us clues regarding Yuanxian's natural inclination and life. The study of Yiyan investigates Yuanxian's philosophy, his position towards the harmonizing the Three Teachings, and his approach towards the challenges of 17th-century Chan Buddhism. The Jie ni nü provides us with Yuanxian's engagement in Fujian society, the social phenomena among the commoners, and their unconventional Buddhist concepts. His Jianzhou hongshi lu reveals eminent local Chan and Confucian masters, how the Chan teachings enhanced the Confucian scholars' demeanor, and the influence of the Chan masters of the Jianzhou area that extended well beyond that local region. Yuanxian devoted his literary talents as a reviver and fearless defender to uphold the supremacy of Buddhism. He vigorously pointed out the deficiencies of Confucianism and Daoism and expressed distinctive insight towards the popular trend of the Three Teachings syncretism. His life manifested the ideal of actualizing the functions of the super-mundane world while engaging simultaneously in society. 7 Chapter One Introduction This dissertation is about the 17th-century Buddhist master, Yongjue Yuanxian 永覺元賢 (1578-1657). Yuanxian was a well-revered Buddhist master and a prolific writer who actively reestablished Caodong Chan Buddhism in 17th-century China. The 17th-century was a unique and important period in Chinese political, financial, intellectual, and especially religious history. It involved a period of the Ming-Qing transition during which many people, including religious clergy, migrated out of China and spread their influence outside of China. Wang Yangming's 王 陽明 (1472-1529) teachings of the School of Mind and his later generations caused many ripples in both intellectual and religious societies. On the other hand, Christian missionaries were also able to truly make footholds in China. Meanwhile, many literati sought refuge in Buddhist monasteries to escape serving the Qing court. International trade also improved the Chinese economy and the people's lives during this period. The 17th-century of the Fujian area, Buddhism suffered declining when compared with the Tang and Song dynasties. The intrusions of Japanese pirates since the Ming Jiajing reign (1522-1566) and the conflicts of the Ming-Qing transition all had an impact on the so-called "Buddhist kingdom" of Fujian.1 Many Buddhist monasteries had been destroyed especially