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2010/3

An Investigation into Mou Zongsans

Interpretation of Tiantai Zhi-yis Concept of
the Extinction of Un-Extinction

Kent Lin

ABSTRACT:
This paper discusses Mou Zongsans interpretation of Tiantai Zhi-yis
concept of the Extinction of Un-Extinction as treated in his book Buddha
Nature and Perfection of Wisdom. At the outset, Mou Zongsans presentation
of Tiantai Zhi-yis original insights is introduced and subsequently, his
understanding of Zhi-yis idea of the Extinction of Un-Extinction is
analyzed. The paper then concludes with a critical reflection upon Mou
Zongsans interpretation of the Extinction of Un-Extinction.
In this paper, I attempt to point out that the concept of the Extinction
of Un-Extinction is meant to cohere with Tiantais theoretical structure of
the Consummate Teaching and furthermore has its own inherent presupposetion -- it appears as though Zhi-yi gives rise to the viewpoint of
consummate teaching first, and thereupon develops his interpretation of the
Extinction of Un-Extinction as one of the necessary conditions of the
Consummate Teaching. Discord with Mou Zongsans interpretation, this
paper also examines the validity of the claim that Vexation is Bodhi
belongs to the very same theoretical domain as the Extinction of
Un-Extinction. Doubt is raised over whether sayings such as Vexation is
Bodhi or the Extinction of Un-Extinction could rightfully be considered a
Consummate and Truthful Teaching. For instance, other Mahayana sutras

Assistant Professor, Institute of Religion and Culture, Buddhist Tzu Chi University

31

treat this claim as being merely a kind of Flexible Measures intended to

cure mental afflictions. Moreover, such a temporary treatment tends to have
negative effects if misunderstood or applied inappropriately.

Keywords : Mou Zongsan, the Extinction of Un-Extinction, Changeful,

Consummate and Truthful Teaching, Flexible Measures

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1983
598-601

576

33

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34

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1993
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42

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identity

1991
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2003
147 331-366

44

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46

2010/3

begging the question

47

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1993

270

48

2010/3

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2005
237-238
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1236

52

2010/3

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54

2010/3

14

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33
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1993
1983
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1994
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2003

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1991

2005