A Study of Classification of Buddhist Publications in Taiwan

• Main Authors: Juan Ching-ling, 阮靜玲
• Other Authors: Ho-Sheng Lu
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 1998
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/42868337279353747353

碩士 === 輔仁大學 === 圖書資訊學系 === 86 === Through classification we can better understand the state of things, the relationships among them, as well as problems concerning their essential nature and existence. There are large quantities of ancient Chinese publications related to Buddhism. The classification of these publications has been well established through the handling of Buddhist literature through various dynasties. While current Buddhist classification schemes used in Taiwan are based on those used in former times, some categories have been adjusted to meet the needs of the present. The purpose of this thesis is both to study Buddhist classification schemes used in past dynasties and in present-day Taiwan, and to find out the essential characteristics of a proper Buddhism classification scheme by comparing the structures of the above-mentioned classification schemes. It is my hope that these findings may be helpful for revising Buddhism classification schemes in the future. In the interest of examining the structure and finding the strengths and weaknesses of Buddhist classification schemes used in Taiwan, this thesis first makes a catalogue of the Buddhist publications from each ancient dynasty, and then introduces and compares five Buddhist classification schemes currently used in Taiwan. These schemes include Yung-hsiang Lai''s "New Classification Scheme for Chinese Libraries", the "Chinese Classification Scheme" used by the National Central Library, Ho Jih-Chang''s "Chinese Decimal Classification", Li Shih-Chieh "A Classification Scheme for Buddhist Literature", and the "New Classification Scheme for Buddhism Libraries" (1996 edition). Through comparison, this study found that in respect to form, the five classification schemes are almost identical in notation and auxiliary tables, with the exception of the related index in "New Classification Scheme for Buddhism Libraries." In respect to content, all of the schemes have cross-reference explanations, and four of them have notes for categories excluding the "Chinese Decimal Classification" scheme. As to the ordering of categories, each of the five schemes are different. Categories that are common to all five schemes are General, History and Geography of Buddhism, Doctrines and Dogmas, Vinaya, Abhidharma, Buddhist Services and Customs, Buddhist Missions, Belief, and Buddhist Sects. Buddhist Literature, Buddhist Art, Buddhist Language, Doctrines and Temples are categories that only exist in some of the schemes. In Conclusion, suggestions are made for a Buddhism classification scheme which would be best suited to the current needs: (1)Each scheme should include a related index; (2)Experts in library science and Buddhism should work together to make regular revisions of Buddhist Classification schemes in order to promote greater consistency; (3)Notes for categories should be included in classification schemes; (4)Comprehensive table of subdivisions should be included; (5)In addition to the tradition structures, categories in Buddhist classification schemes should be increased to meet current need; (6)Modern technology should be used by librarians in classifying works, and especially in classifying the categories of Doctrines and Dogmas, Vinaya, Abhidharma.