The Selfadaptation of Buddhism's Development: Positive Effects on Buddhism by Confucian Scholars Viewpoint of Buddhism of the Song Dynasty

In the Song Dynasty, the Confucian scholars' cognition, comprehension and evaluation of Buddhism produced three positive effects on Buddhism. Firstly, Buddhism adapted itself by arguing its peculiars in function, searching for similarity between Buddhist doctrines and Confucian principles and establishing its adaptive position to Confucianism. Secondly, according to Confucian interpretation, Buddhism transforms its characters by explaining its doctrines such as Konghuan Sanjie (Void of Three Circles), becoming a monk and departing from the world, and discarding ethics and forbidding desires. Thirdly, Buddhism set up its principles by reviewing its shortcomings such as the situation of out-of-order development, looking down upon words of Buddhist literature, absurd and odd preaching and seeking for Tao by leaving actual existence. Therefore, the Confucian scholars' cognition, comprehension and evaluation of Buddhism of the Song Dynasty produced the poorly known but lasting and positive effects on Buddhism.