Modern Social Science Research

As a key figure in the Buddhist reform during the late Ming Dynasty, Hanshan Deqing, along with Zibo Zhenke and Yunqi Zhuhong, was renowned as one of the “Three Eminent Monks.” His thought and practice held significant importance for Buddhism in the Ming and Qing periods. The Autobiographical Chronological Record of the Old Man Hanshan (《憨山老人自叙年谱实录》) is Deqings self-narrated chronological biography. This text employs a dual narrative framework—adhering both to the traditional monastic hagiographys emphasis on spiritual cultivation and incorporating the secular achievements typical of literati chronicles—to construct an image of Buddhist elitehood. In shaping his self-image, Deqing adopts an indirect rhetorical strategy of “interpreting Confucianism through Buddhism” when addressing sensitive events such as his “persecution for propagating Buddhism” and his interactions with the imperial court during the Wanli era. This approach allows him to both justify his actions and craft the persona of a transcendent monastic sage. Such textual practices reflect Deqings strategies for navigating the relationship between religion and politics, offering a representative case for understanding the historical predicament of late Ming Buddhist monks.

Hanshan Deqing; Late Ming Dynasty; Buddhism; Autobiography