Difference between revisions of "Four teachings of method"
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A {{Wiki|classification}} by [[T'ient'ai]] (538-597) of [[Shakyamuni Buddha]]'s teachings according to how they were expounded. Together with the [[Four teachings of doctrine]], it [[forms]] the system of {{Wiki|classification}} known as the [[Eight teachings]]. The [[four teachings of method]] are: | A {{Wiki|classification}} by [[T'ient'ai]] (538-597) of [[Shakyamuni Buddha]]'s teachings according to how they were expounded. Together with the [[Four teachings of doctrine]], it [[forms]] the system of {{Wiki|classification}} known as the [[Eight teachings]]. The [[four teachings of method]] are: | ||
− | (1) The sudden [[teaching]], in which The [[Buddha]] {{Wiki|preached}} directly from the standpoint of his own [[Enlightenment]], independently of his listeners' capacity, and without giving them preparatory [[Knowledge]]. This category corresponds to the [[Flower Garland Sutra]]. | + | (1) The sudden [[teaching]], in which The [[Buddha]] {{Wiki|preached}} directly from the standpoint of his [[own]] [[Enlightenment]], {{Wiki|independently}} of his [[listeners]]' capacity, and without giving them preparatory [[Knowledge]]. This category corresponds to the [[Flower Garland Sutra]]. |
− | (2) The gradual [[teaching]], which The [[Buddha]] expounded progressively to gradually elevate his [[disciples]]' capacity to understand [[higher]] teachings. This category includes the teachings of the [[Agama]], Correct and {{Wiki|Equal}}, and [[Wisdom]] periods. | + | (2) The [[gradual]] [[teaching]], which The [[Buddha]] expounded progressively to gradually elevate his [[disciples]]' capacity to understand [[higher]] teachings. This category includes the teachings of the [[Agama]], Correct and {{Wiki|Equal}}, and [[Wisdom]] periods. |
− | (3) The secret [[teaching]] (more precisely, the secret {{Wiki|indeterminate}} [[teaching]]), in which The [[Buddha]] preaches in such a way that his listeners understand according to their {{Wiki|individual}} capacities and thereby each receive different benefits without [[being]] aware of the differences. | + | (3) The secret [[teaching]] (more precisely, the secret {{Wiki|indeterminate}} [[teaching]]), in which The [[Buddha]] preaches in such a way that his [[listeners]] understand according to their {{Wiki|individual}} capacities and thereby each receive different benefits without [[being]] {{Wiki|aware}} of the differences. |
− | (4) The {{Wiki|indeterminate}} (or non-fixed) [[teaching]] (more precisely, the explicit {{Wiki|indeterminate}} [[teaching]]), in which The [[Buddha]]'s listeners understand his [[teaching]] differently and thereby receive different benefits in the same way as above, but are aware of the differences. This [[teaching]] is called {{Wiki|indeterminate}} because the benefits that the listeners receive are not fixed but vary with their respective capacities. | + | (4) The {{Wiki|indeterminate}} (or non-fixed) [[teaching]] (more precisely, the explicit {{Wiki|indeterminate}} [[teaching]]), in which The [[Buddha]]'s [[listeners]] understand his [[teaching]] differently and thereby receive different benefits in the same way as above, but are {{Wiki|aware}} of the differences. This [[teaching]] is called {{Wiki|indeterminate}} because the benefits that the [[listeners]] receive are not fixed but vary with their respective capacities. |
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Latest revision as of 01:07, 17 March 2015
four teachings of method
化儀の四教 (Jpn kegi-no-shikyo )
A classification by T'ient'ai (538-597) of Shakyamuni Buddha's teachings according to how they were expounded. Together with the Four teachings of doctrine, it forms the system of classification known as the Eight teachings. The four teachings of method are:
(1) The sudden teaching, in which The Buddha preached directly from the standpoint of his own Enlightenment, independently of his listeners' capacity, and without giving them preparatory Knowledge. This category corresponds to the Flower Garland Sutra.
(2) The gradual teaching, which The Buddha expounded progressively to gradually elevate his disciples' capacity to understand higher teachings. This category includes the teachings of the Agama, Correct and Equal, and Wisdom periods.
(3) The secret teaching (more precisely, the secret indeterminate teaching), in which The Buddha preaches in such a way that his listeners understand according to their individual capacities and thereby each receive different benefits without being aware of the differences.
(4) The indeterminate (or non-fixed) teaching (more precisely, the explicit indeterminate teaching), in which The Buddha's listeners understand his teaching differently and thereby receive different benefits in the same way as above, but are aware of the differences. This teaching is called indeterminate because the benefits that the listeners receive are not fixed but vary with their respective capacities.