南中三教

The three modes of Śākyamuni's teaching as expounded by the teachers south of the Yangtze after the Ch'i dynasty A.D. 479-501.

(1) The [lang id =1028]漸教 gradual method, leading the disciples step by step to nirvana.

(2) The [lang id =1028]頓教 immediate method, by which he instructed the Bodhisattvas, revealing the whole truth.

(3) The [lang id =1028]不定教 undetermined method, by which the teaching is adapted to each individual or group.