All is One

The Profound Influence of Huayan Buddhism on Chinese Philosophy, from the Past to the Present

Abstract

The discourse surrounding the interplay between the concepts of “one” (or “unity” [yi 一]) and “many” (or “multiplicity” [duo 多]) has been a subject of extensive debate within both premodern and contemporary world philosophy. Within the context of medieval Chinese philosophy, this discourse takes on a particularly rich and nuanced form. The introduction of Buddhism to China significantly influenced discussions on this topic, leaving a profound impact on Chinese philosophical thought. Notably, the Avataṃsaka Sūtra (Ch. Huayan jing 華嚴經, Flower Ornament Sūtra, hereafter Huayan jing) stands out as a pivotal example, epitomizing the Sinitic development of these philosophical ideas.

This study concentrates on a comprehensive examination of the concepts of “one” (yi) and “many” (duo), scrutinizing their relationship within the Huayan jing. Additionally, it explores the interplay between “one” and “many” in the broader context of the Huayan school (Huayan zong 華嚴宗) and Chinese philosophy as a whole. Emphasis is also placed on understanding the influence of the Huayan school’s ideas on broader Chinese philosophical discourse. Furthermore, the study delves into the contemporary Buddhist perspective, specifically investigating the significance of “perfect interfusion” or “interpenetration” (yuanrong 圓融) between “one” and “many.”