A Study on the Community of Thought Shown in Seon and Esoteric Buddhism

ABSTRACT

In the history of Indian Buddhism the law of Dependent Rising of Sakyamuni Buddha has been a fundamental source that enabled the development of Middle Way Philosophy and Mind Only Buddhism. The advent of systematic Esoteric Buddhism in the middle of 7th century has its foundation on the traditions of Mahayana Buddhism of doctrines and practice system that enable the practitioner to achieve enlightenment effectively by visualizing Mandalas and chanting Mantras. On the other hand Seon Buddhism of China was an another development of Indian Buddhism which nature is recognized by brevity and practical use but Seon Buddhism fundamentally succeeded the traditions of Indian Buddhism so that it eventually has communities of thoughts and practices found in Esoteric Buddhism. Despite of outward appearances it is found the common points which is seen in the traditions of Seon and Esoteric Buddhism that holds in common the same doctrinal system of mind and consciousness, same practices of Visualizations that enables the practitioner to calm down his mind and discern the nature of himself to get supreme enlightenment.