Books by Mario Poceski
Poceski, Mario. The Records of Mazu and the Making of Classical Chan Literature. Oxford and New Y... more Poceski, Mario. The Records of Mazu and the Making of Classical Chan Literature. Oxford and New York: Oxford University Press, 2015.
The file available for download only contains the front matter, including the Introduction.
Poceski, Mario. Ordinary Mind as the Way: The Hongzhou School and the Growth of Chan Buddhism. Ox... more Poceski, Mario. Ordinary Mind as the Way: The Hongzhou School and the Growth of Chan Buddhism. Oxford and New York: Oxford University Press, 2007.
Poceski, Mario, ed. Communities of Memory and Interpretation: Reimagining and Reinventing the Pas... more Poceski, Mario, ed. Communities of Memory and Interpretation: Reimagining and Reinventing the Past in East Asian Buddhism. Hamburg Buddhist Studies Series 10. Hamburg: Numata Center for Buddhist Studies (University of Hamburg), 2017.
Poceski, Mario. Introducing Chinese Religions. New York and London: Routledge, 2009. Also availab... more Poceski, Mario. Introducing Chinese Religions. New York and London: Routledge, 2009. Also available in an e-book format, as Chinese Religions: The eBook (published by JBE Online Books), and in a Portuguese translation: Introdução às religiões chinesas, published by Fundação Editora da UNESP, Brazil, 2013.
Poceski, Mario, ed. The Wiley Blackwell Companion to East and Inner Asian Buddhism. The Wiley Bla... more Poceski, Mario, ed. The Wiley Blackwell Companion to East and Inner Asian Buddhism. The Wiley Blackwell Companions to Religion. Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell, 2014.
Poceski, Mario. Manifestation of the Tathāgata: Buddhahood According to the Avatamsaka Sūtra. Bos... more Poceski, Mario. Manifestation of the Tathāgata: Buddhahood According to the Avatamsaka Sūtra. Boston: Wisdom Publications, 1993 (published under the name Cheng Chien Bhikshu). Also published in a German translation, as Alles ist reiner Geist; Giovanni Bandini, trans. Bern and München: Alfred Scherz Verlag, 1997.
Poceski, Mario. Sun-Face Buddha: The Teachings of Ma-tsu and the Hung-chou School of Ch’an. Berke... more Poceski, Mario. Sun-Face Buddha: The Teachings of Ma-tsu and the Hung-chou School of Ch’an. Berkeley: Asian Humanities Press, 1993, 2001 (published under the name Cheng Chien Bhikshu). Also published in a Polish translation, as Budda o słonecznym obliczu: Nauczanie Mistrza Zen Ma-tsu oraz szkoły Ch'an Hung-chou; Robert Bączyk, trans. Warszawa: Miska Ryżu, 2004.
Poceski, Mario. Introdução às religiões chinesas. Fundação Editora da UNESP, Brazil, 2013.
Journal Art. by Mario Poceski
International Journal of Buddhist Thought & Culture, 2024
Poceski, Mario. “Chan Master Dayi’s Inscription on Sitting Meditation.” International Journal of ... more Poceski, Mario. “Chan Master Dayi’s Inscription on Sitting Meditation.” International Journal of Buddhist Thought & Culture 34/2 (2024): 47-78.
Journal of Chinese Buddhist Studies, 2023
The article consists of a translation and study of Chengguan da huangdaizi wen xinyao (Chengguan'... more The article consists of a translation and study of Chengguan da huangdaizi wen xinyao (Chengguan's Response to the Crown Prince's Query about the Essentials of Mind), a short philosophical essay composed by Chengguan (738-839), the reputed fourth patriarch of the Huayan school. The text provides a succinct and eloquent summation of Chengguan's discernment and elucidation of the central tenets of Buddhism, with a focus on the true nature of mind and reality. Instead of situating the text under a narrow sectarian rubric-or reading it as a compelling summary of Huayan doctrinethe article argues that the essay's contents point to the existence of a general philosophical viewpoint and a soteriological stance that were embraced by the main traditions of elite Buddhism during the late Tang era. Accordingly, Chengguan's essay exemplifies the broad acceptance of a pan-sectarian Buddhist framework-with its repertoire of literary metaphors, specialized terminology, and philosophical outlook-that was shared by major Buddhist traditions such as Tiantai , Huayan, and Chan .
Journal of Chinese Religions , 2020
Poceski, Mario. “Disappearing Act: Calmness and Insight in Chinese Buddhism.” Journal of Chinese ... more Poceski, Mario. “Disappearing Act: Calmness and Insight in Chinese Buddhism.” Journal of Chinese Religions 48/1 (2020): 1-30.
The article explores major changes in the dominant models of meditation that came to characterize the practice of Chinese Buddhism during the first millennium of its growth and transformation. The main line of argument centers on key transformations of the classical model of Buddhist meditation, which postulates two main approaches to contemplative practice: calmness and insight. The main paradigm shifts examined in the article include the pairing of the two approaches in the writings of Zhiyi (538–597) and his Tiantai School, and the conceptual and soteriological reconfigurations that unfolded within the flourishing Chan movement during the Tang era. That is followed by an analysis of the development of a completely new model of Chan meditation during the Song period, which marked the virtual disappearance of calmness and insight from the everyday vocabulary of Chinese Buddhism.
International Journal of Divination and Prognostication, 2019
Poceski, Mario. “Chan narratives about death premonitions and avoidance of fate.” International J... more Poceski, Mario. “Chan narratives about death premonitions and avoidance of fate.” International Journal of Divination and Prognostication 2 (2019): 288–321.
The article explores the scope, content, and function of prophecies and premonitions presented in Chinese Buddhist literature, with a focus on the Chan school and the late medieval period. It is especially concerned with Chan narratives that feature premonitions about an upcoming death or demise, either one’s own or of another person. Additionally, that is related to prevalent notions about the possibility of changing individual fate (or destiny), mainly at the point of facing death or when coming to terms with the daunting prospect of a terrible afterlife. While these themes resonate with the broader Buddhist tradition, the Chan school’s production of narratives that feature this kind of thaumaturgic elements were linked to changing conceptions of exemplary religiosity, in which the Chan masters’ real supernatural power is ultimately based on their possession of superior wisdom.
International Journal for the Study of Chan Buddhism and Human Civilization, 2020
The article explores the growing popularity and global spread of the practice of mindfulness. It ... more The article explores the growing popularity and global spread of the practice of mindfulness. It is especially concerned with the ongoing process of decoupling mindfulness training from its traditional Buddhist origins, and its deployment in a variety of secular contexts. That includes the teaching and practice of mindfulness techniques in hospitals, schools, and corporate environments, commonly without an acknowledgement of their Buddhist background. Among the questions being asked is whether such sucularised uses of mindfulness can be understood to constitute potentially problematic cases of cultural (mis)appropriation.
Journal of Chinese Buddhist Studies , 2018
The article provides a complete translation and detailed study of "Inscription for the Hall of Tr... more The article provides a complete translation and detailed study of "Inscription for the Hall of Transmission of the Teaching " (Chuan fa tang bei), a memorial composition dedicated to Xingshan Weikuan (755– 817), a prominent Chan master and a major representative of the Hongzhou school in Chang'an, the imperial capital of Tang China. Composed in 819 by Bo Juyi (772–846), one of China's best-known poets, this text is an important source of information about the life and ideas of a prominent Chan monk, as well as a prime example of the ways in which influential literati such as Bo were engaged in the recording of Chan history and teachings. The inscription also sheds light on several key aspects of Tang Chan, including the close relationship between Chan monks and literati, the evolving notions about spiritual lineage and Chan orthodoxy, and the position of Chan in relation to the broad Buddhist tradition.
Medieval Worlds, 2017
Poceski, Mario. “Evolving Relationship between the Buddhist Monastic Order and the Imperial State... more Poceski, Mario. “Evolving Relationship between the Buddhist Monastic Order and the Imperial States of Medieval China.” Medieval Worlds 6 (2017): 40–60.
The article explores central aspects of the relationship between the Buddhist monastic order and the various imperial states that ruled China during the medieval period (roughly between the third and the tenth centuries CE). It focuses especially on the points of tension created by the monastic order's efforts to establish a sense of autonomy and receive special economic, political, or social exemptions on one hand, and the royal imperium's assertion of absolute authority over all subjects on the other hand. While the monastic order's efforts to safeguard its independence and ward off the encroachment of a totalitarian state was largely a losing proposition, in a protracted process that involved complex socio-political negotiations and shifting religious realignments, the Buddhist clergy was able to secure important exemptions from the Chinese rulers' demands. Most notably, these included exemptions from certain forms of taxation, military conscription, and forced labour, which helped secure the economic foundations of monastic life and enhance the prominent place of Buddhism in Chinese society. To illustrate these issues, the article explores some of the key debates that pitted prominent Buddhist monastics such as Huiyuan (334-416) against key segments of the Chinese socio-political elites, many of whom were influenced by a Confucian ideology that was often inimical to monastic institutions.
Journal of Chinese Buddhist Studies, 2015
The article explores the main attitudes and approaches to meditative theory and praxis that devel... more The article explores the main attitudes and approaches to meditative theory and praxis that developed within the early Chan movement, with a focus on the Tang era (618–907). The discussion covers the formative development of key models of Chan meditation, and their relationship to relevant canonical sources and the mainstream Buddhist thought of medieval China. It also deals with notable shifts in attitudes towards the nature and function of contemplative practice, as revealed in a variety of early Chan texts. That includes the treatment of meditation in the records of Bodhidharma () and his disciples, the East Mountain tradition (Dongshan famen), the Niutou school (), the Northern school (Bei zong), the Baotang school (), the Heze school (), and the Hongzhou school (). While in some instances we can discern an emphasis on articulating specific techniques or approaches to meditation, in other Chan records we can find calls, primarily articulated by advocates of radical forms of the " sudden approach, " to reject the formal practice of meditation. Between these opposing poles, we can also identify prominent efforts within influential Chan circles to balance a trenchant critique of unreflective reliance on skillful means on one hand, with the need to formulate effective strategies and ingenious programs of contemplative praxis that respond to the needs and abilities of actual practitioners. The article also considers these developments in relation to other conceptions of meditative theory and praxis formulated in medieval China outside of the Chan milieu, especially the Tiantai school's () comprehensive systematization of Buddhist meditation.
Journal of Chinese Religions, 2007
In the aftermath of An Lushan's 安 祿 山 (d. 757) rebellion-that virtually brought the imposing Tang... more In the aftermath of An Lushan's 安 祿 山 (d. 757) rebellion-that virtually brought the imposing Tang 唐 empire (618-907) to its knees-the middle part of the dynastic epoch was marked by momentous and multifaceted changes, with major impacts on the political and economic landscapes, as well as significant ramifications in the intellectual and religious arenas. This was an initially precarious period of realignment in the distribution of power, which involved reconfiguration of the relationship between the imperial center at the capital and the local administrations in the provinces. There were also notable demographic changes, refocusing of the empire's foreign policy, restructuring of the economy and the tax system, and emergence of new sociopolitical elites. That was accompanied by the development of new intellectual orientations and cultural paradigms, exemplified for instance by the ancient literature [guwen
Asia Major, Third Series , 2003
Poceski, Mario. “Xuefeng’s Code and the Chan School’s Participation in the Development of Monasti... more Poceski, Mario. “Xuefeng’s Code and the Chan School’s Participation in the Development of Monastic Regulations.” Asia Major, Third Series 16/2 (2003): 33–56.
Religious Studies Review, 2006
History of Chinese Philosophy (中国哲学史) , 2010
Poceski, Mario. “马祖语录以及禅语录的创作.” Shen Haiyan 沈海燕, trans., History of Chinese Philosophy (中国哲学史) 2 ... more Poceski, Mario. “马祖语录以及禅语录的创作.” Shen Haiyan 沈海燕, trans., History of Chinese Philosophy (中国哲学史) 2 (2010): 24–37.
The pdf file contains the article, but not in the version published in 中国哲学史.
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Books by Mario Poceski
The file available for download only contains the front matter, including the Introduction.
Journal Art. by Mario Poceski
The article explores major changes in the dominant models of meditation that came to characterize the practice of Chinese Buddhism during the first millennium of its growth and transformation. The main line of argument centers on key transformations of the classical model of Buddhist meditation, which postulates two main approaches to contemplative practice: calmness and insight. The main paradigm shifts examined in the article include the pairing of the two approaches in the writings of Zhiyi (538–597) and his Tiantai School, and the conceptual and soteriological reconfigurations that unfolded within the flourishing Chan movement during the Tang era. That is followed by an analysis of the development of a completely new model of Chan meditation during the Song period, which marked the virtual disappearance of calmness and insight from the everyday vocabulary of Chinese Buddhism.
The article explores the scope, content, and function of prophecies and premonitions presented in Chinese Buddhist literature, with a focus on the Chan school and the late medieval period. It is especially concerned with Chan narratives that feature premonitions about an upcoming death or demise, either one’s own or of another person. Additionally, that is related to prevalent notions about the possibility of changing individual fate (or destiny), mainly at the point of facing death or when coming to terms with the daunting prospect of a terrible afterlife. While these themes resonate with the broader Buddhist tradition, the Chan school’s production of narratives that feature this kind of thaumaturgic elements were linked to changing conceptions of exemplary religiosity, in which the Chan masters’ real supernatural power is ultimately based on their possession of superior wisdom.
The article explores central aspects of the relationship between the Buddhist monastic order and the various imperial states that ruled China during the medieval period (roughly between the third and the tenth centuries CE). It focuses especially on the points of tension created by the monastic order's efforts to establish a sense of autonomy and receive special economic, political, or social exemptions on one hand, and the royal imperium's assertion of absolute authority over all subjects on the other hand. While the monastic order's efforts to safeguard its independence and ward off the encroachment of a totalitarian state was largely a losing proposition, in a protracted process that involved complex socio-political negotiations and shifting religious realignments, the Buddhist clergy was able to secure important exemptions from the Chinese rulers' demands. Most notably, these included exemptions from certain forms of taxation, military conscription, and forced labour, which helped secure the economic foundations of monastic life and enhance the prominent place of Buddhism in Chinese society. To illustrate these issues, the article explores some of the key debates that pitted prominent Buddhist monastics such as Huiyuan (334-416) against key segments of the Chinese socio-political elites, many of whom were influenced by a Confucian ideology that was often inimical to monastic institutions.
The pdf file contains the article, but not in the version published in 中国哲学史.
The file available for download only contains the front matter, including the Introduction.
The article explores major changes in the dominant models of meditation that came to characterize the practice of Chinese Buddhism during the first millennium of its growth and transformation. The main line of argument centers on key transformations of the classical model of Buddhist meditation, which postulates two main approaches to contemplative practice: calmness and insight. The main paradigm shifts examined in the article include the pairing of the two approaches in the writings of Zhiyi (538–597) and his Tiantai School, and the conceptual and soteriological reconfigurations that unfolded within the flourishing Chan movement during the Tang era. That is followed by an analysis of the development of a completely new model of Chan meditation during the Song period, which marked the virtual disappearance of calmness and insight from the everyday vocabulary of Chinese Buddhism.
The article explores the scope, content, and function of prophecies and premonitions presented in Chinese Buddhist literature, with a focus on the Chan school and the late medieval period. It is especially concerned with Chan narratives that feature premonitions about an upcoming death or demise, either one’s own or of another person. Additionally, that is related to prevalent notions about the possibility of changing individual fate (or destiny), mainly at the point of facing death or when coming to terms with the daunting prospect of a terrible afterlife. While these themes resonate with the broader Buddhist tradition, the Chan school’s production of narratives that feature this kind of thaumaturgic elements were linked to changing conceptions of exemplary religiosity, in which the Chan masters’ real supernatural power is ultimately based on their possession of superior wisdom.
The article explores central aspects of the relationship between the Buddhist monastic order and the various imperial states that ruled China during the medieval period (roughly between the third and the tenth centuries CE). It focuses especially on the points of tension created by the monastic order's efforts to establish a sense of autonomy and receive special economic, political, or social exemptions on one hand, and the royal imperium's assertion of absolute authority over all subjects on the other hand. While the monastic order's efforts to safeguard its independence and ward off the encroachment of a totalitarian state was largely a losing proposition, in a protracted process that involved complex socio-political negotiations and shifting religious realignments, the Buddhist clergy was able to secure important exemptions from the Chinese rulers' demands. Most notably, these included exemptions from certain forms of taxation, military conscription, and forced labour, which helped secure the economic foundations of monastic life and enhance the prominent place of Buddhism in Chinese society. To illustrate these issues, the article explores some of the key debates that pitted prominent Buddhist monastics such as Huiyuan (334-416) against key segments of the Chinese socio-political elites, many of whom were influenced by a Confucian ideology that was often inimical to monastic institutions.
The pdf file contains the article, but not in the version published in 中国哲学史.
Center for Buddhist Studies, University of Hong Kong
Mario Poceski (University of Florida)
"Buddhist Responses to Modernity in Republican China"
Giovedì 17 ottobre (2019), ore 14:30
Palazzo Stocchi, Piazza Morlacchi 30
The lecture explores the challenges faced by Buddhism in China during the early decades of the twentieth century, and the main approaches adopted by monastic leaders who sought to revive and reform their tradition.
The conference explores ritual and contemplative practices that characterized much of religious life in premodern China, covering the period from 500 to 1500 CE. The focus is on Buddhism and Daoism, including the interactions between the two religions, against the backdrops of the relevant social and cultural milieus. The individual presentations focus on meditation or ritual, but the participant scholars also explore the intersections between the two categories of religious praxis, in relation to the larger systems of belief and doctrine that inform them. They also reflect on the fuzzy boundaries and consider the possibility of analyzing meditation as a form of ritual, and vice versa.
Convener: Mario Poceski (IKGF Visiting Fellow, University of Florida)
The workshop explores the nature, scope, and function of predictions about the future in Buddhism. The presentations cover a spectrum of Buddhist traditions, including Theravada and other traditions that developed in South, Inner, and East Asia. They also explore a range of themes and focus on diverse primary sources, such as major scriptures, other canonical texts, and monastic hagiographies.
IKGF Seminar Room, Building D1, Hartmannstr. 14, 91052 Erlangen