Abstract
This paper explains that Cha'an Buddhism, also known as Zen Buddhism, emerged in China in the sixth century after Buddhism had been brought to China from India. The author points out that Zen Buddhism later was transferred to Japan and eventually reached America and other parts of the world. The paper relates that Cha'an Buddhism is only one of several major schools of Buddhist thought.

From the Paper
"One of the prevailing schools of Buddhist thought in China has been known as Cha'an Buddhism, or Chan Buddhism, and is known in America as Zen Buddhism. While Zen Buddhism was adapted from the Chinese, it also became common in Japan. Zen means the discipline of enlightenment. Much remains uncertain about the early history of Chan Buddhism, but the general development of the school is understood, as is the way it spread through China and into other regions. A School of Buddhism Chan Buddhism is the religion of jiyu, or "self-reliance," and jizai, or "self-being" (Suzuki 6). "

Tags:chan, school, buddhism

Abstract
The paper discusses how the passage written by Er Cheng Yishu is essentially a critique of Buddhism and relates that Er Cheng Yishu was writing from a neo-Confucian perspective, which means he was critical of Buddhism. However, the paper shows how his critique of Buddhism in this passage is limited to intrinsic aspects of Buddhism, so that the criticisms may be dealt with on their own, without reference to any competing philosophies.

From the Paper
"This passage is written by Er Cheng Yishu, and is essentially a critique of Buddhism. Er Cheng Yishu was writing from a neo-Confucian perspective, which means he was critical of Buddhism. However, his critique of Buddhism in this passage is limited to intrinsic aspects of Buddhism, so that the criticisms may be dealt with on their own, without reference to any competing philosophies. Within this short passage, Er Cheng Yishu manages to put together an effective criticism of some key shortcoming of Buddhism."

Tags:buddhism, analysis, selfishness

Abstract
This paper examines the differences between Chinese Buddhism and the Buddhism of any other Asian country. The author stresses that politics has played a role in determining the shape of Chinese Buddhism. The paper relates that the existence of Buddhist monasteries in China under the T'ang and Ming dynasties owes much to the political power of Buddhism in Chinese history.

From the Paper
"Buddhism in Chinese History: The Example of Politics and Religious Conflict under the T'ang and Ming Dynasties Introduction Any study of Chinese Buddhism must address the degree to which Chinese social, political and cultural forces have shaped Buddhism in China in ways that make it different from the Buddhism of any other Asian country. In researching for this paper, I was surprised by the degree to which politics has played a role in determining the shape of Chinese Buddhism. Even the existence of Buddhist monasteries in China, as will be seen, owes much to the political power of Buddhism in Chinese history."

Tags:buddhism, china, religion

Abstract
This paper follows Joshi's model of both Buddhism and Jainism as revivals of pre-Vedic traditions of personal stoicism, renunciation and detachment, and both as reactions to brahmanism seen as a philosophical corruption. The paper notes that Buddhism travelled beyond India whereas Jainism enjoyed a particular community basis of endogamy and a period of royal patronage to become a tradition confined to India. The paper focuses on Jainism as it tends to be less understood by non-Jains as compared to Buddhism.

From the Paper
"Brahmanical ideas and practices forever produce reactions in South Asian religious movements. The Buddha rejected some Vedic principles in favour of four noble truths and the eight-fold path permitting the individual to achieve nirvana. Mahavira similarly formulated his philosophy by becoming an ascetic, turning to an oral tradition later produced in both Prakit and Sanskrit which focuses on moksha or transcendental emancipation as a central teaching, accomplished through three `jewels' of what became Jainism in right belief, right knowledge and right conduct. As in much..."

Tags:jainism, buddhism, contrasts

Abstract
The paper discusses how emptiness (shunyata) is a central concept in Buddhism whereby "form is emptiness" and "emptiness is form". The paper points out that although the concepts may appear similar at first glance, Buddhist emptiness does not equate to nihilism; there appears to be a certain skepticism involved in both ways of thinking, but nihilism views the world as unknowable and meaningless, whereas Buddhism attests that emptiness creates an ultimate reality of consciousness and knowledge. The paper explains that emptiness is not "nothingness" under Buddhist thinking; it is rather a form of non-reality and non-existence through which one can channel the ultimate knowledge. The paper discusses how it is the state which all Buddhist followers aim to achieve, and therefore it is extremely important in Buddhism.

From the Paper
'Emptiness (shunyata) is a central concept in Buddhism whereby "form is emptiness" and "emptiness is form". Though the concepts may appear similar at first glance, Buddhist emptiness does not equate to nihilism. Though there appears to be a certain skepticism involved in both ways of..."

Tags:buddhism, zen, snyder

Abstract
The paper reveals that Buddhism believes in reincarnation while Confucianism does not, Buddhism is absorbed with metaphysical things to an extent that Confucianism is not, and the training of the follower in the latter reflects this reality insofar as practical skills for governance appear to be (relatively speaking) more stressed in Confucianism. Finally, the paper discusses how while it does seem engrossed in metaphysical matters, it may be argued that Buddhism is more prescriptive than Confucianism in the sense that it lays down very specific moral precepts while the latter provides broad doctrinal principles. In any case, the paper concludes that while there are some general similarities, there certainly appear to be many more dissimilarities.

Tags:confucianism, buddhism, religion

Abstract
This paper looks at the origins of Buddhism and how its popularity has spread in recent years. The roots of the religion are discussed in the context of how Buddhism has currently evolved in the United States. Includes a look at a story of a Buddhist girl as an example of Buddhism.

From the Paper
"The year was 534 B.C. One morning, a young prince sat under a tree that would soon become known as the Tree of Enlightenment or the Bodhi Tree. He didn't sit there for pure enjoyment, but was seeking an end of suffering. Born around 563 B.C., Siddhartha Gautama would be the man who discovered Buddhism and become known as the Buddha."

Tags:buddhism, founder, gautama, siddhartha, spread

Abstract
Through a study of Buddhism in Vietnam, and how this has been reflected in art and architecture, we can understand how a country-specific approach to the analysis of Buddhism and Buddhist art can illuminate features of both. This paper discusses Buddhism and Buddhist art in Vietnam.

Tags:buddhism, buddhist art

Abstract
This paper examines Shinshu Buddhism in relation to its many similarities to other Buddhist schools, particularly those of the Pure Land. The paper also notes that there are significant differences in the practices and moral values between Shinshu and others. The main tenets of Shinshu are described and compared to True Pure Land Buddhism.The paper concludes by stating that even though it is not obvious at first sight, Shinshu does share the common ethical grounds with other Buddhist teachings.

From the Paper
"ShinShu Buddhism Buddhism is one of the oldest religious practices today, and it takes its name from Siddhartha Gautama, who was revered by his disciples as the Buddha, or the "Awakened One". World estimates for the number of Buddhists today vary between 230 and 500 million, with most around 350 million (Wikipedia). The teachings of the Buddha spread north and south across the Indian subcontinent and into many parts of Asia within the next few centuries of his birth but died out as a living religion in the land of its origin. Today's Buddhism can be considered as consisting of two main branches that..."

Tags:buddhism, shinshu, ethics

Abstract
This paper examines how Buddhism came to China and what main problems pertaining to assimilation greeted it once it arrived. Specifically, the paper considers when exactly Buddhism made its appearance, what factors in China made it possible for it to establish a toe-hold and what arguments were leveled against it by Confucian opponents. Additionally, it addresses the obstacles the state offered. In the final analysis, the story of Buddhism in ancient China is a story of extraordinary resiliency and perseverance.

From the Paper
"How did Buddhism come to China and what were the main problems of assimilation associated with its introduction there? The following paper will look at how Buddhism came to China and what main problems pertaining to assimilation greeted it once it arrived. Specifically, the paper will look at when exactly Buddhism made its appearance, what factors in China made it possible for it to establish a toe-hold (the role of the Northwestern Purists will be touched upon directly), and what arguments were leveled against it by Confucian opponents - as well as what obstacles the state offered. In the final analysis, the story of Buddhism in ancient China is a story of..."

Tags:buddhism, china, history