M.A. Thesis Summary

This thesis has six major sections . The first section introduces the author's objective and motivation for this approach . This section shows the selection of the references and the discussion of different studies . It also gives the method and the process , important words, and a brief summary of the thesis .

The second section is the history of the Shurangama Sutra and is divided into nine parts . These parts are used to answer different question and dispute the Shurangama Sutra. These relatively illustrate its origin , transmission , denomination , the author , the translators , and translated texts . This section is written according to historical literature and documents which indirectly corroborate the relation of time and place , and indicate more accurate information .

The third section clarifies the doctrine of the Shurangama Sutra. It consists of nine parts which are expressed as the story of the Sardulakarnavadana, the study of Shurangama-mantra, protecting dharma from evil, the death of guilt , the burning of body, arm and finger , the eating of meat and karma, and the struggle of reason and sentiment . Some parts mainly discuss Buddhist Ethics in the Shurangama Sutra.

The fourth section includes catalogue and appraisal of the Shurangama Sutra. It displays the evaluation of the Shurangama Sutra from the great priests . The catalogue abstracts from the Taisho Taisokyo (), the Dharma Treasure Catalogue of Shouwa (), and Catalogue Manuscripts of Touen-Houang (), and provides a more accurate orientation for the Shurangama Sutra.

The fifth section expresses the review and impression of the thesis . The author plans to use this thesis as a resource for research and development of the Shurangama Sutra in the future .

The sixth sections contains photocopies of significant referential information , These consist of temple history , and the commentaries for words and phonics of the Manuscripts of Touen-Houang .