Buddhism in China Term Paper by Quality Writers

Buddhism in China
An analysis of how and when Buddhism came to China and the obstacles it faced there from the state and Confucian opponents.
# 101774 | 1,713 words | 8 sources | APA | 2008 | US
Published on Feb 29, 2008 in Asian Studies (East Asian Cultures) , History (Religion) , Religion and Theology (Buddhism)


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Description:

This paper looks at how Buddhism came to China and what main problems pertaining to assimilation greeted it once it arrived. Specifically, the paper analyzes 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. The paper also discusses the role of the Northwestern Purists, as well as what obstacles the state offered.

From the Paper:

"Yet, there is still confusion among scholars as to when exactly Buddhism began to eclipse (or at least rival) Confucianism in ancient China. Lewis Hodous seems to place Buddhism's gradual rise during the Han dynasty that extended from the third century BC to the third century AD - which appears to accord with the work of Hawkins insofar as the latter draws the conclusion that 300 AD was right about when Buddhism became pervasive and prominent in China. However, Xinzhong Yao (2000) argues that Buddhism did not really begin to flourish until roughly the end of the fourth century AD - a later date by nearly a century. Ultimately, the imprecision of the dates (and they all do fall within the same general timeframe) can be attributed to the relative scarcity of textual sources and, presumably, to different scholarly preoccupation and emphases. The key point, in any case, is that Buddhism came about because Confucianism's own failings gave it cultural space in which to carve out a niche."

Sample of Sources Used:

  • Ch'en, Kenneth K. (1964). Buddhism in China: A Historical Survey. Princeton: Princeton University Press.
  • Ch'en, Kenneth K. (1973). The Chinese Transformation of Buddhism. Princeton: Princeton University Press.
  • Hawkins, Bradley K. (1999). Buddhism. London: Routledge. Retrieved February 18, 2007 from Questia database <http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=103395829>
  • Hodous, Lewis. (1924). Buddhism and Buddhists in China. New York: MacMillan. Retrieved February 18, 2007 from Questia database <http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=74096791>
  • Ikeda, Daisaku. (1986). The Flower of Chinese Buddhism. (Watson, B., transl.). New York: Weatherhill. Retrieved February 18, 2007 from Questia database <http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=89690913>

Cite this Term Paper:

APA Format

Buddhism in China (2008, February 29) Retrieved December 04, 2023, from https://www.academon.com/term-paper/buddhism-in-china-101774/

MLA Format

"Buddhism in China" 29 February 2008. Web. 04 December. 2023. <https://www.academon.com/term-paper/buddhism-in-china-101774/>

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