The mind as the essence of words: A linguistic philosophical analysis of the classifi cation teaching of Yongming Yanshou

Expand
  • School of Philosophy, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China; Department of Philosophy, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China

Published date: 05 Sep 2007

Abstract

Along with the Chan s linguistic turn , the significance of sutras, which were despised and even regarded as the obstacle to complete enlightenment, became accepted by the Chan. Due to Yanshou s contributions, the principle that emphasized the diversity of teaching in terms of the relationship between meaning and expression in the Sui and Tang Dynasties has been changed into a system which stressed the importance of the root/branches relationship of the mind and words. According to Yanshou, the conflict between the Chan and doctrinal teachings is resolved by highlighting the significance of words. Yanshou s work greatly inspired the Chan s interest in words in the Song Dynasty.

Cite this article

WU Zhongwei . The mind as the essence of words: A linguistic philosophical analysis of the classifi cation teaching of Yongming Yanshou[J]. Frontiers of Philosophy in China, 2007 , 2(3) : 336 -344 . DOI: 10.1007/s11466-007-0021-3

Outlines

/