Author(s)

Zhou Jinghong ¹

Affiliation(s)

¹ Cangzhou Aviation Vocational College, Hebei, Cangzhou 061000, China

Corresponding Author

Zhou Jinghong

ABSTRACT

This study aims to explore the theoretical origins of the Zen Buddhist concept of "No Words" in Zen scriptures, delving into profound doctrines through texts such as the Platform Sutra and the Five Lamps Meeting at the Source. Subsequently, it reconstructs the argumentation within a philosophical discourse framework, restoring the Ontological framework of Zen philosophy centered on "Mind". In this process, the research demonstrates two possible approaches to "No Words": the consciousness-only doctrine with Mind as the Noumenon and the Prajñā Emptiness view employing "Contemplating Emptiness" as the method. Finally, the study transcends traditional Buddhist doctrinal discourse to examine the contemporary value of "No Words" in relation to the "Philosophy of Image" in Dunhuang Grottoes sculpture ideology.

KEYWORDS

Zen Buddhism, No Words, "The Platform Sutra", "The Five Lamps Meeting at the Source", Dunhuang Grottoes

CITE THIS PAPER

Zhou Jinghong, Theoretical Origins, Philosophical Reconstruction, and Contemporary Value of Zen Buddhism's "No Words". Philosophy Journal (2025) Vol. 4: 70-78. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.23977/phij.2025.040111.

REFERENCES

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[3] Ancient Ancestors' Discourses.2016. Taisho Continuation Collection, No.1315. Taipei: Chinese Buddhist Electronic Text Association.
[4] Xuan Zang.Vimalakirti Sutra .2016. Taisho Continuation Collection. Taipei: Chinese Buddhist Electronic Text Association.
[5] Lai Yonghai. 2010. The Thirteen Classics of Buddhism: Lankavatara Sutra. Shanghai: Zhonghua.
[6] Kumarajiva. Nagarjuna. 2016. The Great Treatise on the Perfection of Wisdom. Taisho Tripitaka,No.1509. Taipei: Chinese Buddhist Electronic Text Association.
[7] Jingjue.2016. Records of Teachers of the Lanka Sutra. Taisho Tripitaka, No.2837. Taipei: Chinese Buddhist Electronic Text Association.
[8] Zhendi.Mādhyamika. 2016.Mahayana Treatise on Awakening Faith . Taisho Tripitaka, No.1666. Taipei: Chinese Buddhist Electronic Text Association.
[9] Yang Weizhong. 2019, The Metaphysical Characteristics of Chinese Buddhist Doctrine on Mind-Nature. Philosophical Analysis,10(3): 36-43.
[10] Lai Yonghai. 2010. The Thirteen Classics of Buddhism: Diamond Sutra and Heart Sutra. Shanghai: Zhonghua.
[11] Chen Jian.2004.A Discussion on 'Not Establishing Words' in Chan Buddhism. Journal of East China Normal University (Philosophy and Social Sciences Edition36(3): 76-81.
[12] Ludwig Wittgenstein .1996.Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus .Translated by He Shaojia. Beijing: Commercial Press.4-7.

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