关键词: 佛教文学, 现代批评, 苏曼殊研究

Abstract: After the New Culture and May Fourth movements, three major strands were present in the field of Su Manshu study: the coterie of the Southern Society, writers of the "New Literature", and authors on the new Buddhist literature. Among them, authors on the new Buddhist literature primarily focused on such dimensions as (1) Su Manshu's character projection as a Buddhist, (2) Su's contribution to the development of Buddhism, (3) the affinity between Su's personalities and his art, and (4) Su's literary appeal to young Buddhist, etc. The significance of their research was several-folded. They argued for Su Manshu's due position in literary history; they provided theoretical and practical bases for the modern transformation of Buddhist literature; they opened up a space for alternative Buddhists who promoted the reform of modern Buddhism; and they set an example through Su Manshu's life to endorse their own interest in literature and art pursuit. Su Manshu was endowed with a sincere character as a free spirit who became a paragon for the reform of modern Buddhism. Their research has unique significance not only for Su Manshu study but also for the study of modern Chinese literature.

Key words: Buddhist literature, modern criticism, Su Manshu study