Some reflections on the Database of Medieval Chinese Texts as a multi-purpose tool for research, teaching, and international collaboration

This paper gives an introduction to a Digital Humanities project at the Department of Languages and Cultures (Ghent University), the Database of Medieval Chinese Texts (DMCT), a collaborative project with several international partners. The structure of the DB is multi-modular, consisting of reference modules in the form of XML marked-up medieval non-canonical Chinese Buddhist texts, as well as analytical modules such as the Variants, Syntax, and Sentence Analysis modules. The architecture is ‘open’ and modules can be added, modified, and interlinked based on specific research requirements. The DB is multifunctional and not only provides information on key texts and their linguistic features, but also constitutes a research tool (featuring sophisticated online input masks and analytical tools) with which researchers can input and process data. In addition to its function in a research environment, it is also used in advanced master classes, in the framework of master thesis and PhD projects, as well as for internships. The DB has also an important ‘socio-institutional’ function, being situated at the intersection of Buddhological and historical linguistic studies, two of the main fields of research at the department

Some references to visualization practices in early Chán Buddhism with an emphasis on guān 觀 and kàn 看

In the analysis of processes of sensory perception in the framework of Buddhist contemplation practices, the visual sense faculty has played a crucial role. In this paper, references to Chinese Buddhist terminology referring to visual processes will be analyzed in their historical context, with a focus on the interpretations ofguān 觀andkàn 看by proponents of the early Chán School. Crucial questions include the notions of the “agent” (i.e., the entity engaging in the process of visualization or viewing), as well as the ontological status of the “object” to be viewed, in addition to the nature of theprocessof viewing and the bodily preconditions for engaging in visualization practices. The creative reinterpretations of terms such asguānxīn 觀心 “contemplate the mind” andkànxīn看心 “view the mind” were also important devices to create a distinctive identity for this newly emerging Chinese Buddhist school. As will be shown, despite the fierce attacks on “gradualist” meditation practices by proponents of the “Southern School” of Chán during the 8th century, the concepts ofguānxīnandkànxīnby no means disappeared from the discourse on meditation but continued to play an important role at least until the 10th century and beyond