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What are the main practices and rituals associated with the Sanlun school?
The Sanlun school, also known as the Three Treatise school, is a Chinese Madhyamaka school that emerged during the 6th century CE. It is based on the teachings of Nagarjuna, an Indian philosopher who is considered the founder of the Madhyamaka tradition. The Sanlun school places great emphasis on the study of Nagarjuna's three main treatises, namely the Madhyamaka-karika, the Vigrahavyavartani, and the Shunyata-saptati. These treatises form the foundation of the school's practices and rituals.
One of the main practices of the Sanlun school is the study and contemplation of the three treatises. Students of the school are expected to devote themselves to the study of these texts, which are considered to be the most important and authoritative sources of knowledge in the Madhyamaka tradition. The study of these treatises involves rigorous intellectual analysis and debate, with the aim of understanding the true nature of reality and the ultimate truth of emptiness.
Another important practice in the Sanlun school is the cultivation of wisdom. The school teaches that wisdom is the key to liberation from suffering and the attainment of enlightenment. This wisdom is not just theoretical knowledge, but a direct realization of the true nature of reality. To cultivate this wisdom, practitioners engage in various meditation practices, such as analytical meditation and contemplative meditation, which help to develop a deeper understanding of emptiness and the nature of the mind.
Rituals in the Sanlun school are primarily centered around the recitation of mantras and sutras. Mantras are sacred sounds or phrases that are believed to have a transformative effect on the mind and body. The most commonly recited mantra in the Sanlun school is the Prajnaparamita mantra, which is associated with the perfection of wisdom. Sutras, on the other hand, are sacred texts that contain the teachings of the Buddha. The recitation of sutras is considered a form of meditation and is believed to have a purifying effect on the mind.
In addition to these practices and rituals, the Sanlun school also places great emphasis on the cultivation of compassion and ethical conduct. Practitioners are expected to follow the Buddhist precepts, which include refraining from harming living beings, practicing generosity, and cultivating loving-kindness and compassion towards all beings.
In conclusion, the Sanlun school is a tradition that places great emphasis on the study and contemplation of Nagarjuna's three treatises, the cultivation of wisdom through meditation, and the recitation of mantras and sutras. It also emphasizes the importance of ethical conduct and the cultivation of compassion as essential aspects of the path to enlightenment. These practices and rituals are aimed at helping practitioners to develop a deep understanding of emptiness and to ultimately attain liberation from suffering.