An English Translation Of Fa-Tsang's Commentary On The Awakening Of Faith (studies in asian thought and religion; Volume 28)

Fa-Tsang (643-712) was an important early figure in the development of Hua-yen Buddhism and is counted the Third Patriarch and first great systematizer of the school. Hua-yen doctrines have affected many other East Asian traditions and his Commentary provides a look at how various concepts associated with the emerging Chinese vijnana/tathagata-garbha tradition were developing at a key point in the tradition’s history. In addition, while Fa-Tsang’s views of the mutual interpenetration and intercontainment of events have been covered in a variety of English language materials, his views on consciousness and its various aspects have not been widely addressed. Like the Awakening of Faith, his Commentary is primarily focused on the nature of consciousness and so provides an extensive look at his perspective on the topic. Those views, we might note, predate many of the commonly known aspects of his thought such as those represented in his “Essay on the Golden Lion”. This book presents us with, for the first time, a translation in English a key Chinese Buddhist’s interpretation of one of the most influential texts in the history of East Asian Buddhism. It not only sheds light on the development of Fa-Tsang’s thought and the Hua-Yen school, but also provides further information pertinent to the development of other schools such as T’ien-t’ai and Ch’an. Contents Preface by Chung-ying Cheng Acknowledgements Introduction Commentary on the Awakening of Faith in Mahayana I. Reasons the Teachings were Brought Forth in the Text II. The Place of the Text Among the Canonical Collections III. The Place of the Text Among Divisions of the Doctrine IV. The Range of Karmic Potentials Covered by the Text’s Doctrine V. The Essence of the Teachings the Text can Illustrate VI. The Central Tenet and Paths Expounded in the Text VII. The Text’s Title VIII. The Time of the Text’s Composition IX. The Translator and Period of the Translation X. Exegetical Explanation of the Text A. Preface B. Main Principles 1. Reasons for Writing 2. Establishing the Significance of the Term Mahayana 3. Explanation Revelation of the True Meaning of the Mahayana The Mind-as-Thusness The Mind-as-samsara Two Aspects of the Mind-as-samsara The Aspect of Enlightenment The Aspect of Non-enlightenment The Causes and Conditions of the Mind-as-samsara Characteristics of the Mind-as-samsara Correcting Evil Attachments Characteristics of Progressing on the Path to Enlightenment 4. Cultivating Practice and the Faithful Mind 5. Encouraging Practice and Explaining its Benefits C. Extending These Principles to the World Notes Bibliography Index Preface / Chung-ying Cheng -- Commentary On The Awakening Of Faith In Mahayana -- I. Reasons The Teachings Were Brought Forth In The Text -- Ii. The Place Of The Text Among The Canonical Collections -- Iii. The Place Of The Text Among Divisions Of The Doctrine -- Iv. The Range Of Karmic Potentials Covered By The Text's Doctrine -- V. The Essence Of The Teachings The Text Can Illustrate -- Vi. The Central Tenet And Paths Expounded In The Text -- Vii. The Text's Title -- Viii. The Time Of The Text's Composition -- Ix. The Translator And Period Of The Translation -- X. Exegetical Explanation Of The Text -- Main Principles -- 1. Reasons For Writing -- 2. Establishing The Significance Of The Term Mahayana -- 3. Explanation -- 4. Cultivating Practice And The Faithful Mind -- 5. Encouraging Practice And Explaining Its Benefits -- Extending These Principles To The World. Translated By Dirck Vorenkamp. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [437]-443) And Index.