Mahāprajña Nikāya in Mainland China: Doctrine, Practice, and the Roles of Masters

Abstract

This research investigates the practices of the Mahāprajña Nikāya, the beliefs and implementation of doctrines, and the role of the Master in the advancement and cultivation of the Mahāprajña Nikāya in Mainland China. The research primarily employed document analysis and in-depth interviews with esteemed teachers from the Mahāprajña Nikāya. The studied materials comprised excerpts from the Prajñāpāramitā Sūtras, the works of Tsongkhapa, the teachings of Master Nenghai, and the teachings of Ajahn Brahm and Bhikkhu Bodhi. In addition, in order to gather information about meditation practices in the Mahāprajña Nikāya, an examination of meditation was conducted using two texts: 'The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching' by Thich Nhat Hanh (1999) and 'The Miracle of Mindfulness' by Thich Nhat Hanh (1975). Subsequently, comprehensive interviews were conducted with three highly experienced teachers. The findings indicate that the doctrine of wisdom (prajñā) is the fundamental essence of the journey toward enlightenment, with the comprehension of emptiness being a crucial element. Meditation has been discovered as the principal method for cultivating wisdom and attaining a profound comprehension of emptiness. Teachers play a crucial role in the Mahāprajña Nikāya as mentors who guide meditation and comprehension of the teachings. Future research involves conducting a comparative examination of various Buddhist traditions.