论“佛”与“真人”境界表现之异同 : 以《坛经》及《庄子》为例 = A COMPARISON OF THE MANIFESTATIONS OF THE "BUDDHA" AND THE "TRUE MAN" IN THE PLATFORM SUTRA AND ZHUANGZI

Abstract

Chan Buddhism reflects the influence of the Daoist classic Zhuangzi not only in terms of its terminology, but also its thoughts. This thesis examines such influence through the comparison between the ‘‘Buddha’’ and the ‘‘True Man" as the highest spiritual achievement in the Platform Sutra and the Zhuangzi respectively. The comparison covers four aspects: the external manifestations of the “Buddha’’ and the “True Man"; the fundamental character acquired by the “Buddha’’ and the “True Man"; the nature of their principles; and lastly, the practices of their principles in secular life. It identifies the core concepts in the two texts which account for their differences and similarities revealed in the comparison. The conclusion, it is hoped, may provide some clues about the Siniflcation of Buddhism.