Huáyán jīng rù fǎ jiè pǐn shí bā wèn dá 華嚴經入法界品十八問答

Eighteen Questions and Answers on the Chapter on Entering the Dharma-Realm of the Huáyán Scripture by 澄觀 (Chéngguān, 述)

About the work

This 1-fascicle text is 澄觀 Chéngguān’s compact catechetical treatment of the [[KR6e0010|Rù fǎjiè pǐn 入法界品]] — the closing chapter of the 80-fascicle Avataṃsaka containing the Sudhana pilgrimage — in 18 question-and-answer pairs. The format addresses 18 doctrinal cruxes raised by the chapter, with each question framed as a doctrinal inquiry and the answer providing Chéngguān’s mature reading.

Prefaces

No formal preface.

Abstract

The work is conventionally datable to 澄觀 Chéngguān’s mature period, c. 787 – 838 CE. The bracket adopted here reflects this window. The work is part of Chéngguān’s broader pedagogical-commentarial corpus on the Avataṃsaka, paralleling his [[KR6e0015|Lüè cè]] (T1737, 42 questions) and [[KR6e0016|Qī chù jiǔ huì sòng shì zhāng]] (T1738) — multiple compact pedagogical works produced alongside the great commentaries.

The work is preserved in the Manji Xù zàng jīng (X218) collection.

Translations and research

  • No substantial Western-language translation located.
  • Hamar, Imre. A Religious Leader in the Tang (2002).
  • Hamar, Imre, ed. Reflecting Mirrors (2007).

Other points of interest

  • The 18-question format provides a useful complement to the longer commentarial apparatus of the ShūChāo (T1735 + T1736) on the same chapter, focused specifically on the most pedagogically central doctrinal cruxes.