Toward a New Image of Paramartha

Book Description

Buddhist philosophy has long been shaped by seemingly contradictory traditions, yet one sixth-century scholar may have discovered a profound synthesis that transforms our understanding of spiritual awakening. This scholarly investigation reveals how Paramartha, a pivotal figure in East Asian Buddhism, potentially bridged two major philosophical streams that many considered incompatible.

Drawing upon cutting-edge digital analysis of ancient Buddhist texts, author Ching Keng presents compelling evidence that challenges conventional wisdom about this influential translator and teacher. Through meticulous examination of a previously overlooked manuscript fragment from Dunhuang, the research uncovers striking parallels in language, expression, and spiritual concepts that point toward Paramartha's authentic voice.

At the heart of this exploration lies the concept of jiexing, a key teaching that may hold the secret to understanding how apparently opposing Buddhist philosophies can actually complement and enrich each other. Rather than viewing different spiritual approaches as conflicting, this work suggests that Paramartha discovered a unifying vision that honors the depth of both contemplative psychology and the inherent awakened nature of consciousness.

For readers interested in the evolution of Buddhist thought and the integration of diverse spiritual perspectives, this book offers fresh insights into how ancient wisdom traditions can inform contemporary understanding of the spiritual path.