The Influence of Platform Sutra of the Sixth Patriarch on Japanese Zen

Abstract

This paper is based on speech of master Hui-neng and his well-known " Platform Sutra of the Sixth Patriarch", which showed us the endless wisdom by Hui-nengs enlightenment. There are some different version of Platform Sutra of the Sixth Patriarch till now in the world. Based on master Jing-huis viewpoint, the original Sutras of Caoxi" was the oldest version. No matter how the methods of enlightenment are different, they are helpful to see ones self-nature. Let us think about what Chinese Zen is, what the awakening mind is, and so on. In the process of Zen being introduced and inherited into Japan, this paper selects two representative figures of Japanese Zen. One is master Myoan Eisai who was the founder of Rinzai Zen, and the other is master Eihei Dogen who brought the St school of Zen from China to Japan. The paper introduces the influence and application of Zen in Japan at the original time and in modern Japan till now.