| Abstract |
The characteristic form of Chinese Shizhuan is the coexistence of objective description and subjective commentary in historical biographies. Lunzan was usually written by historians in the end of biographies. From the praising or criticizing commentary on historical events or figures, descendants have the clues to understand the historical background and perspectives of the authors. According to this tradition, additional commentaries in the end of some biographies in Song Ggaoseng Zhuan, which was named ‘Xi’ and ‘Tong’. This paper is based on Song Ggaoseng Zhuan written by Zanning, and began from the evolution of the Lunzan’s tradition in Chinese Shizhuan. They are generalized into four parts: 1）The explanation of the principles on writing Biographies of Eminent Monks. 2）Comments on the protagonist. 3）Descriptions on the problem of Buddhism development. 4）Persuasion and admonish. Meanwhile, we could understand the historical consciousness and writing standpoint of Zanning from ‘Xi’ and ‘Tong’. He emphasized that the development of Buddhism should suit the times. For this reason, standing on the points of king’s law, Zanning wrote Song gaoseng zhuan in a middle attitude between the rulers and the assistance of Confucianism and Taoism. |
