The Practice of Dhyāna in Early Chinese Buddhism

Abstract

In this article1, I would like to first briefly discuss the current misconception of the nature of Buddhist meditation in early Chinese Buddhism shared by most scholars of Buddhism. Many western scholars, under the influence of the Zen-related studies starting from D. T. Suzuki, see the Buddhist meditation before Chan School established during the Tang Dynasty as “the preparations” for the rise of Chan. In contrast, Zyrcher and Demieville’s contributions to our understanding of early Chinese Buddhism through their detailed and specialized research of early Chinese Buddhist meditation have not received the attentions they deserve. This approach is insufficient in that it is not able to fully unveil the nature of early Chinese Buddhist meditation and its difference with Chan. Shi Chan Boluomi Cidi Famen, a work by Zhiyi and also regarded by Master Taixu as the epitome of early Chinese Buddhist meditation, had “Four Dhyānas,” a practice inherited from Indian Buddhism, as its basic framework. Therefore, in this article, I would like to trace the practice and development of “Four Dhyānas” in early Chinese Buddhism.