從《觀音經持驗記》看明代居士的觀音信仰

Examination of the Lay Buddhists’ Belief in Guanyin from the Guanyin Manifestation in the Ming Dynasty

明王朝的統治者主要著意推崇理學，佛教受到這樣的影響，便採取不同的發展方式，其選擇滿足一般信徒的現實利益和各自之願望。例如人們對觀音菩薩信仰普遍加強，促使「香火道場」特色的普陀山逐漸走向繁榮。因此，探究明代居士和觀音信仰傳播的情形，乃成為一個重要的課題。基於以上佛教發展的背景，描述明代居士信奉觀音的著作：《觀音經持驗記》便顯得重要，值得加以探討。《觀音經持驗記》展現出：淨土思想與觀音崇信融合的宗教內涵，要求信眾實踐念佛、茹素和放生的修持法門，即屬一種道德和慈悲的培養方法，並講求內心智慧提升，以及精神轉化，如此方能獲得觀音救度。《觀音經持驗記》實可充份的說明出：明代佛教各宗思想融合，並依淨土為歸向、歸宿的教法。最後，《觀音經持驗記》中，明代居士的觀音信仰，也染及密教的色彩。言明誦念密教觀音經咒，即能感得觀音送子，以及避禍賜福。總之，《觀音經持驗記》裏，明代居士的觀音崇信，便同時展現出以上兩種特點，充份反映出明代獨特的意義。

The emperors of the Ming Dynasty were mostly advocates of Neo-Confucianism. Under their influence, Buddhism took on a different development approach in order to satisfy disciples’ practical interests and individual wishes. For instance, the growing strength of the belief in Guanyin led to the prosperity of Mount Putuo, which was characterized as a site for burning incense. Therefore, the spread of the Guanyin belief and lay Buddhists in the Ming Dynasty is an important subject. Considering this aspect of the development of Buddhism, the Guanyin Manifestation, written by a lay Buddhist of the Ming, is a subject worthy of further exploration. The Guanyin Manifestation combines the concept of pure land and the Guanyin belief. Disciples were asked to engage in such religious practices as chanting, vegetarian diet, and freeing captive animals to cultivate morals and compassion. These practices were also intended to elevate inner wisdom, transcend spirituality, and ultimately reach salvation through Guanyin. In addition, the Guanyin Manifestation exemplifies the fusion of Buddhist branches in the Ming Dynasty and the doctrine of pure land as the destiny. Lastly, the depictions of lay Buddhists’ Guanyin belief in the Ming Dynasty in the Guanyin Manifestation show the influence of Tantra. The book mentions that Guanyin would be moved by the act of chanting the Avalokiteśvara mantra and would bless a couple with a son. Believers might also receive blessings and avoid misfortune. In conclusion, the lay Buddhists’ Guanyin belief depicted in the Guanyin Manifestation shows that the characteristics mentioned above fully exemplify the unique significance of the belief in the Ming Dynasty.