Middle Way 3

Input Date:07/31/2006 Read: [Print] [Close]

　　This “middle-way” view is the core of the prajna doctrine in Buddhism. The prajna doctrine includes the conception of no distinction , the conception of emptiness , the middle-way view , the two true essences view , the negative thinking mode , etc ., “Middle way” or madhyamapratipad is he core of the theoretical system of the middle way view scholars , and represents a specific thinking method . From this angle, all things in the nature exist under certain conditions. Nothing in itself is not changing. The “Long Shu” school called such existence “emptiness”, which was neither “nothing” nor “empty”, but was a nondescript existence, the highest form of existence and the origin of all things. Viewed this way, there would not be the two aspects of existence or non-existence, but there would be the “middle way”, that was neither “existence”, nor “nonexistence”, nor “nothingness””, nor “not being”, and nor “not being”. The “middle way” existence was the highest existence, not distinguishable with words or with concepts. In “On Middle Way”, there is a brilliant exposition of this view: “Out of all destined relations is born dharma. I call it the emptiness, which is a hypothetical designation”. This emptiness is essence of “middle way”. (From “Four Essences”)

　　To sum up, though “middle” has the meaning of essence in Confucianism, yet in Confucianism the fundamental emphasis lies in application, or in “middle adherence”, i.e., doing good things in real life. In Master Lao’s doctrine, “Keep to the middle” is a methodology, the application of the law of nature, and a way to achieve the ascension. In Buddhism, “middle way” is more profound and aims at perfection. “Middle” is a part of the Prajna .Form the above we can see the central positions in Confucianism, Master Lao’s Doctrine and Buddhism held by the view of the Chinese philosophy, incorporated chiefly in the concepts of “middle and peace”, “golden mean”, “middle and constancy”, “middle and adherence”, “middle way”, etc., However, due to their different goals, in their related theories “middle” has an obviously different orientation.

• Middle Way 2 - - 07/312006
• Middle Way 1 - - 07/312006

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