Foundations of Tʻien-Tʻai Philosophy: The Flowering of the Two Truths Theory in Chinese Buddhism

by Paul L. Swanson

A chronological account of the development of the Two-Truth theory which forms the foundation of T'ien T'ai philosophy, the teaching of the Threefold Truth, and includes an annotated translation of Chih-i's Fa hua hsuan i. "...a "must" for all major libraries..." Choice "...a "must" for all Buddhist collections..." Religious Studies Review

Genres: Buddhism, Philosophy

412 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1989

Reviews

[Alex Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gives Swanson's interpretation of T'ien-T'ai's school, emphasizing the importance of the three truths.

It also contains a portion of "The Profound Meaning of the Lotus Sutra" translated into English. The translation is fairly good.

Personally, I think it would have been better if the author translated "The Profound Meaning" in its entirety.

The author also cites Hurvitz's biography "Chih-i" quite a bit, instead of explaining concepts. This is understandable, but unforgivable: now I have to find an out-of-print book!

[Nick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excellent study of T'ien T'ai philosophy contrasted with other Chinese Buddhist philosophies of 6th & 7th Centuries.