The History of Doctrinal Classification in Chinese Buddhism: A Study of the Panjiao System

This book examines the schemes for the classification of Buddhist texts and doctrines from their beginnings in the 5th century to Fazang (643-712). The panjiao schemes were among the methods Chinese Buddhist thinkers ordered and systematized the diversity of Buddhist thought. This book theorizes that there are two styles of panjiao schema: sectarian and ecumenical and, through citations and allusions to schema in later presentations, suggests the existence of an interactive relationship between the two styles.