The
T'ang Dynasty Esoteric School, an important school of Mahayana Buddhism,
originated in India and was introduced to China by the three Mahasattvas
¨C Subhakarasimha, Vajrabodhi and Amoghavajra in the Flourishing Kai
Yuan Period (A.D. 713¡ª741) of the T'ang Dynasty. In the history of
this school, there were many eminent monks who were not only virtuous
and talented but also patriotic and compassionate. They had great
influences on politics and the economy and made outstanding
contributions to the Chinese culture. Master Yi Xing was a patriarch in
the T'ang Dynasty as well as a world-famous scientist with notable
achievements in the scientific field of mathematics, astronomy,
geography and calendar. Master Amoghavajra, a famous translator in the
history of Buddhism, made significant contributions to the promotion of
cultural exchange between China and India; and as National Master, he
played an active role in suppressing rebellions and creating prosperous
and stable economy for the country. The Japanese monk, Master Kukai, who
had come to study in China received the Dharma lineage of the school
from the Seventh Patriarch Hui Guo; on returning to Japan he spread the
Chinese Culture. He became the First Patriarch of the Japanese Shingon
School and was also a major founder of the Japanese culture.
The T'ang
Dynasty Esoteric School ceased its propagation in China after the late
T'ang Dynasty. It was only in the beginning of this century that the
teachings were re-introduced back to China from Japan. The Fiftieth
Patriarch, Maha Acarya Feng Da An worked on and perfected Dharma
teachings passed down from the previous patriarchs; his works,
influential both in China and other countries, would enable modern
people to understand the T'ang Dynasty Esoteric School. His only Dharma
Successor, Maha Acarya Yang Fo Xing, has also published enlightening
articles.
This website will provide the oral teachings, written works and
biographies of patriarchs of the T'ang Dynasty Esoteric School. These
articles are unsurpassable Dharma treasures and will provide Buddhism
practitioners the means to self-realization.