『五杉練若新学備用』巻中に見る応之の書儀編纂態度

Wushan Lianruo Xinxue Beiyong is a book edited by Chan Monk Yingzhi during the Southern Tang Dynasty (mid -10th century). As can be seen from the title “xinxue beiyong 新學備用 (provision for new learners)” and from the sentence “蓋欲訓門内諸子 (desire to train disciples)” in Volume I, Yingzhi intended to provide beginner students with the knowledge they should have. This paper primarily focuses on the epistolary models used in Volume II. It also discusses the methods he used and the manner in which he organized his knowledge and experience, and then utilized them to achieve his aim by comparing them with the Dunhuang Shuyi 書儀 ( manuals for etiquettes in epistolary writing).
While referring to previous theories by virtuous priests like Huiyuan 慧遠 and Daoxuan 道宣, Yingzhi also added new perspectives in line with the trends of the times. Rather than providing a scholarly commentary, his intention was to provide model sentences for letter-writing in an easily understandable manner with a minimum of knowledge that should be acquired. In particular, it does not require an in-depth knowledge of the etiquette of letter writing, but covers examples of writing for a variety of possible situations. Some of the epistolary forms come from the latest updates, and they reflect the interaction between officials and monks. It is a neat and tidy arrangement of traditional Chinese thoughts, Buddhist etiquettes, and current customs in a way that meets the needs of the times while avoiding confusion with the secular manners. Wushan Lianruo Xinxue Beiyong has had a significant and long-lasting impact on the Buddhist monastic societies in Joseon dynasty as well as in China.