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Abstract

This dissertation investigates the sections entitled “Yinghua shengxian”應化聖賢 (Sages and Worthies as Earthly Manifestations of Buddhist Deities) within the Chan historiographies of Song China. Traditionally, Chan historiographies were perceived as exclusively dedicated to the Chan school, chronicling the development of Chan lineages and preserving the essential teachings of Chan masters. However, the “Yinghua shengxian” sections introduced a novel dimension by incorporating non-Chan figures from diverse religious backgrounds and identifying them as Chan ideals. The “Yinghua shengxian” sections became a recurring component in the Song Chan historiographies since their predecessor section was first included in the compilation during the early 11th century. By the mid-13th century, their evolution manifested in increased prominence within Chan historiographies, as they were strategically repositioned to the forefront and expanded to include more figures. The chapters of this dissertation follow a chronological arrangement based on the four Song Chan historiographies containing the “Yinghua shengxian” sections. Each chapter starts with an exploration of the distinctive features of the Chan historiographies and the impact on the compilations and styles of their “Yinghua shengxian” sections. These are followed by one or two case studies on specific figures selected from the “Yinghua shengxian” section, displaying how Chan compilers broadened their scope by incorporating iconic figures beyond Chan lineages and even outside Buddhism. Through hagiographical writing, the Chan compilers infused Chan values into the portrayals of these religious paradigms, transforming them into spokesmen for the Chan school. Meanwhile, their accounts in Chan historiographies shed light on historical facts such as the Chan-Tiantai controversy, the Buddho-Daoist dispute, interactions between local cults and established religions, and the involvement of Chan literature in folk culture. This examination of non-Chan ideals within the framework of the “Yinghua shengxian” sections posits that these sections constitute a crucial yet undervalued source providing significant insights into the development of the Chan school during the Song dynasty. By delving into both historical and fictional dimensions of Chan historiographies, this study contends that the Chan school actively engaged in the Song religious discourse and adopted different strategies to assert its superiority. The evolution of the “Yinghua shengxian” sections, from emphasizing its uniqueness to incorporating diverse non-Chan traditions, attests to the increased confidence and openness of the Chan school in the Song dynasty.