History from Imagination: Lineages, Texts and Teachings of Chan Buddhism under Tang Dynasty
par JIANG Hainu, Associate professor, Zhejiang Sci-tech University
Chan school appeared in China around the beginning of sixth century. In the early stage of this religious sect, various aspects presented a loose condition. However, with the patriarchal tradition took shape during seventh and eighth centuries, Chan Lineage played a strictly utilitarian role in constructing, distorting, even fabricating its own history. Moreover, this retrospective identity actually characterizes various phases of Chan school, and the process of retrospective production of history as thus continued forward. Therefore, we should
change our way of thought to discuss Chan texts and teachings under Tang Dynasty.
