Chao Lun - The Treatises of Seng-chao

Book excerpt: "The ""Chao Lun: The Treatises of Seng-Chao,"" is the main scripture of the first period of Chinese Buddhism (about A.D. 300-700) before Dhyana-Buddhism absorbed all other interests (A.D. 700-1100). The Author believes that the two periods are connected and that in Dhyana-Buddhism the earlier thinking emerged cleansed from the traces of its Indian origin. Seng-Chao interpreted Mahayana, Hui-Neng and Shien-Hui re-thought it. The position of the Author is unusual and might be contested. But after a life-time given to the study of Chinese-Buddhism and the Chao-Lun in particular he has the right to be heard."" (Introduction to 2nd Edition by Hong Kong University Press - 1968) Walter Liebenthal (1886-1982), was a German philosopher and sinologist who specialized in Chinese Buddhism. He translated many philosophical works from Pali, Sanskrit and specially from Chinese into German or English.