菩薩藏佛教網站問答 - Why did Tripitaka Master Xuanzang value the Cheng Weishi Lun?

The reasons Tripitaka Master Xuanzang valued the Cheng Weishi Lun can be summarized in the following points:

The Cheng Weishi Lun Gathers the Essence of Yogācāra and Explains the True Meaning of the Buddhadharma: The Cheng Weishi Lun is a monumental work compiled by Master Xuanzang by referencing the treatises of the Ten Great Masters of India and integrating the essence of various philosophical schools. It is considered the fundamental treatise of the Yogācāra School. This treatise deeply explores the core theories of Buddhist Consciousness-Only, explaining essential Buddhist principles such as "all dharmas are mind-only" and "transforming consciousness into wisdom," helping practitioners deeply understand the true meaning of the Dharma and thereby attain realization and Buddhahood.

Xuanzang Personally Participated in its Compilation and Regarded it as an Important Achievement: Master Xuanzang not only translated a massive amount of Buddhist classics but also personally participated in the compilation of the Cheng Weishi Lun, considering it one of his most significant achievements. He viewed this treatise as the result of "bringing forth innate brilliance and relying on diligent study and consultation," and regarded it as a "secret key," which shows the level of importance he attached to it.

Admiration for Dharmapāla Bodhisattva's Thirty Verses on Consciousness-Only, Treating it as a Treasure: Master Xuanzang greatly admired Dharmapāla Bodhisattva's commentary on the Thirty Verses on Consciousness-Only, believing it penetratingly explained the principles of the verses. He even said, "The Master admired and enjoyed it as if gazing upon the holy countenance. Keeping it always in hand, it was no different from the true teachings," treating it as a precious treasure that never left his side.

Helps Propagate the Dharma and Benefit Sentient Beings: Master Xuanzang traveled westward to seek the Dharma, enduring great hardships to bring back a vast number of Buddhist classics, and dedicated himself to translating and propagating the Buddhadharma. He valued the Cheng Weishi Lun also because he hoped that through this treatise, the essence of Yogācāra could be disseminated, allowing more people to understand the true meaning of the Buddhadharma, thereby leaving suffering behind, attaining happiness, and benefiting sentient beings.

In summary, Master Xuanzang's emphasis on the Cheng Weishi Lun is based on multifaceted reasons, including its penetrating explanation of Buddhist principles, the sense of achievement from his personal involvement in its compilation, his admiration for the Cheng Weishi Lun Shuji, and his desire to propagate the Dharma and benefit sentient beings. The Cheng Weishi Lun holds an important position in Buddhist history, exerting a profound impact on the subsequent development of Yogācāra, and has become one of the required classics for later Buddhist practitioners to study.