袁宗道与晚明禅宗和净土宗

以佛教义理阐释儒学,是晚明人文思潮的一个重要特征。作为其中的重要一员,袁宗道因为生死问题接触佛教,而后潜心禅宗,以禅学诠释儒学;又和袁宏道一起大力推行净土,提倡念佛法门。袁宗道为纠正禅宗之弊和推动净土在晚明的展开,发挥了很大的作用。

Yuan Zongdao and Zen and the School of Pure Land in the Late Ming Dynasty

To interpret Confucianism by using Buddhist principles was one important characteristic of the humanistic trend in the late Ming Dynasty. Yuan Zongdao, who approached Buddhism with a view to exploring the matter of life and death, was absorbed in the study of Zen and attempted to explain Confucianism in the light of Zen. Later, he, together with Yuan Hongdao, focused on promoting the School of Pure Land and advocating praying to Buddha. He played a great role in rectifying the disadvantages of Zen and promoting the development of the School of Pure Land in the late Ming Dynasty.