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."
Abstract This paper deals with the various reasons that Buddhism entered China. It talks about the help the religion received from the government and the hindrances it had to overcome to become the major force it is today in China.
From the Paper "For most of history, China has been described as an extremely unified country, in both culture and political aspects. This was furthered by the fact that China was isolated and insulated from "alien" thoughts and beliefs, even though there was minimal contact by way of the Silk Road and from India. When Buddhism made its appearance in China, it brought with it a view of the outside world that was foreign, inviting, and challenging. While bringing new ideas, it at the same time brought up cultural, social, political, and religious challenges that had to be addressed and changed to fit Chinese life in order to be accepted."
Tags:buddhism, china, religion, culture, tradition, population, society
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). "
This essay is based on the rise and appeal of Buddhism in China while Confucianism and Daoism already existed during the Period of Division (220 - 589 A.D).
Abstract This paper examines the appeal of Buddhism in the historical context of the Period of Division. It explains that Buddhism's rise was answering the needs and desires of both the people and the rulers, especially foreign rulers, in a period of instability and in competition with the past dominated by Confucianism and organized Daoism. There is also the dialectic between its new content as a foreign religion and its sinicization, as both can account for its success in China.
From the Paper "The Period of Division in Chinese history spreads between 220 and 589 A.D. The period is marked by wars, successions of small kingdoms, and great political instability and misery for the people. It is also the period of nomadic invasions. Buddhism exerted a great appeal to the Chinese during this period, became dominant at least in the north, and firmly established itself alongside Confucianism and Daoism as the main religions or schools of thought in China. What are the reasons behind its popularity during this period?"
Abstract This paper examines how Wright deals with the question of defining the political, social, and cultural conditions that permitted the spread of Buddhism in the Chinese World. It explains that the author indicates that there were social and political changes occurring in China that opened the door to the spread of Buddhism.
From the Paper "Meantime, the author explains that while Imperial Confucianism was under attack (Wang Ch?ung had initiated this "process of erosion" of Imperial Confucianism), so too was Han dynasty Confucianism, which gave citizens of China during that period the idea that perhaps there was a better way of searching for the spiritual life. Han Confucianism (17) fell into a period where haggling over the interpretation of "authoritative texts" severely eroded ?its capacity for self-renewal and its ability to deal with new problems,? either practical problems or intellectual problems."
Abstract The object of this paper is to uncover the conflict between the Neoconfucianists and the Buddhists in China. This paper will discuss why Neoconfucianism rejected Buddhism, what figures acted as catalysts in the transformation and what themes they used to make this change effective.
Abstract This paper explains that the question of faith versus practice is an ongoing debate within China. The author points out that, whereas the emphasis in Japan on faith is pronounced, the same issue is a problem in China. The paper relates that most Chinese masters emphasize practice, which is very detailed and broken down.
From the Paper "Along with China, three other regions are involved in the development of the Pure Land tradition. Buddhism originated in India and central Asia; then in 119 BC, China came into contact with Buddhism when the country "learned for the first time of a strange country called Tien Cho, known today as India" (Hsu 3). When the Pure Land tradition reached Japan, the very tenets of the faith underwent modifications and adaptations. However, the question of faith versus practice also resulted in ongoing debate within China."
Abstract This paper examines the parallels between Hua-Yen Buddhism and Zen Buddhism and explains the general principals, concept, and philosophy of Buddhism. The paper also provides some historical information concerning the origins of Buddhism and some of its major, influential thinkers.
From the Paper "There are two schools of Buddhism which interest me: Zen and Hua-yen. The scholastic name for Zen is the Doctrine of the Buddha-heart. Its goal is to attain Satori (enlightenment) through meditation, and through a permanent contemplative lifestyle. The Chinese word Hua-Yen means ?the Flower decoration,? as translated from the Sanskrit Avatamsaka, which is a doctrine concerned with one thing: reaching an understanding of Totality through the great many teachings of Mahayana."
Tags: sanskrit, mahayana, spiritual, central, perception, satori, enlightenment, india, china
Abstract This paper explains what Buddhism is and how it is practiced in today's world. The writer shows how Buddhism focuses on how life occurs and how one can learn to understand each and every moment armed with the best possible knowledge. The paper looks at the beginnings of the religion and the fundamental teachings of Buddha.
From the Paper "The key to the success of Buddhism is its emphasis on scientific rationale as the basis of its teachings. It makes one understand clearly how life occurs and how one can learn to understand each and every moment armed with the best possible knowledge. That is the main reason why in today's scientific and rational world it is so easily acceptable by the people. Buddha, in his own words said, just because you respect me should not be reason enough for you to accept anything, but it is your duty to explore and evaluate it as if you were buying a precious metal. He also said that all our misfortunes dawn on us because of our inability to comprehend the truth and being bemused with it."
Abstract This paper discusses the myth of Buddha, or Prince Siddhartha, and Buddhism from a social context including psychological connections of cultures and peoples who adopt such practices and religion. The author examines the way such myths arose especially in these cultures. The paper relates a number of other aspects about this myth and religion and its lasting appeal.
From the Paper "Prince Siddhartha or Buddha is associated with Buddhism and is one of the great religious thinkers and philosophers known to the world who taught a way of life and prayer that continues to resonate in many different cultures today. However, if we ..."
Tags: nirvana, Four Noble Truths, Eightfold Path, right action, morality, Prince Siddhartha, India, China
Abstract This paper discusses the Confucian concept of human nature versus the concept of Buddha-nature. The paper begins by discussing Confucian and Buddhist ideas in combination in Asia and the way that the views differ individually. The paper speaks of an effort to distinguish one tradition from another and to suggest a Chinese religion other than Buddhism or Daoism.
From the Paper "The Confucian Concept of Human Nature vs. The Concept of 'Buddha-nature'. Introduction One can find Confucian and Buddhist ideas in combination in Asia, though people state they are Buddhists, for instance. As in any civilization, beliefs and the origins of concepts become fused, are known in combination, or otherwise as something other than their original intention. Y.P Mei noted now Buddhist teachings had gone against the Chinese outlook for some centuries, and through a millennium that began in 100 AD, "Confucianism was overshadowed by Taoism and, fundamentally, by Buddhism. (p. 161) Neo-Confucianism of the Sung and Ming dynasties involved separating Chinese from Buddhist beliefs, but this could not bring a clean distinction."
Abstract This paper discusses the prehistory of Chinese civilization and, thereafter, the formation of a monolithic China. It examines the country's cultural formation, religion, and its family unit within society. Finally, the paper looks at traditions and customs.
Paper Outline
Prehistory of Chinese Civilization: Nomads, Society, and Civilization
Formation of a Monolithic "Chinese" China A Schizophrenic Chinese Culture?
Religion as a Pervasive Influence on All Aspects of Life
The Family Unit
Family Unit-Oriented Traditions and Customs
Conclusion
Reference
From the Paper "In fact, at one point in time, China was quite diverse - politically, culturally, and linguistically. It was only until 221 B.C., its time of political unification, that the drastic homogenization of large areas of land occurred during which "local cultures expanded geographically and began to interact, compete with each other, and coalesce [...] driving the formation of ever larger and more centralized states" (Diamond, 1999)."
Abstract Culture is formed from many factors of social life. The geography, interactions with other states, and even language can influence a society's culture. China's rich history has led to a complex maturity and experimentation with civil codes of conduct. One of the major contributing factors to Chinese ethnic identity lies in religion and philosophy. This paper discusses the role of religion and philosophy in China, how it shapes cultural and global awareness, and how it influences everyday life and commerce in cities and rural towns. Several Chinese philosophers and their teachings are discussed, including Confucius and Lao-Tzu.
From the Paper "The teachings of Confucianism can still be seen today in Chinese society. "Confucius viewed woman as a thoroughly irrational creature often as difficult to deal with as servants" (Weber 161). The encouragement of a patrilineal society in historic times has lived through thousands of years and can still be seen in some contemporary issues. The favoritism of male over females during the One Child Policy period after 1979 sheds light on the patrilineal view of Chinese society. The One Child Policy was created to control the population in China. When this policy was implemented, boys were preferred over girls because they were considered superior. Women were not given the same opportunity to receive an education while infanticides occurred in hopes for a son instead of a daughter. In light of Confucianism, countries such as Japan and Korea have also shown the tendency of women to be regarded as subordinates. With the recognition of human rights and western influence has slowly been changing the status of women."
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.
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."
