Tradition
Chinese Buddhism
Overview
Chinese Buddhism or Han Buddhism (traditional Chinese: 漢傳佛教; simplified Chinese: 汉传佛教) is a Sinicized form of Mahayana Buddhism, which draws on the Chinese Buddhist canon (大藏經; Dàzàngjīng; "Great Storage of Scriptures") as well as numerous Chinese traditions. It is the largest institutionalized religion in mainland China. As of 2020, there are an estimated 42 to 53 million Chinese Buddhists in the People's Republic of China. It is also a major religion in Taiwan and Singapore, as well as among the Chinese diaspora.
Buddhism was first introduced to China during the Han dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE). It was promoted by multiple emperors, especially during the Tang dynasty (618–907 CE), which helped it spread across the country. The translation of a large body of Indian Buddhist scriptures with the inclusion of originally composed Chinese works based on Taoist and Confucian interpretations and influence of the time was compiled in a vast text referred to as Chinese Buddhist open canon and was foundational in creating, what is known as indigenous Chinese Buddhism. This form of Buddhism due to embracing local customs, rites, rituals and folk religion had a far-reaching impact for the dissemination of Buddhism throughout the countries of the East Asian cultural sphere, such as North Korea, South Korea, Japan, and Vietnam. Chinese Buddhism also developed various unique traditions of Buddhist thought and practice, including Tiantai, Huayan, Chan, Pure Land, and Zhenyan Buddhism.
Overview adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0; see the article history for authors).
Possible passages
Found by search and not yet checked by a person; they may only mention the idea in passing.
It may be two hundred and fifty cubits in height, rich in elegant carving and inlaid work, covered above with gold and silver, and finished throughout with a combination of all the precious substances. Behind the tope there has been built a Hall of Buddha, of the utmost magnificence and beauty, the beams, pillars, venetianed doors and windows, being all overlaid with gold-leaf. Besides this, the apartments for the…
Confucius, Chinese literature
States what Chinese Buddhism is; the author is tied to Chinese Buddhism in the knowledge graph.
Such as you may well introduce a discussion on the Odes." Said the Master, "As regards the ceremonial adopted and enforced by the Hia dynasty, I am able to describe it, although their own descendants in the State of Ki can adduce no adequate testimony in favor of its use…
Confucius, The Wisdom of Confucius with Critical and Biographical Sketches
The author is tied to Chinese Buddhism in the knowledge graph.
Possessed of the Tao, he endures long; and to the end of his bodily life, is exempt from all danger of decay. 17. 1. In the highest antiquity, (the people) did not know that there were (their rulers). In the next age they loved them and praised them. In the next they feared them; in the next they despised them. Thus it was that when faith (in the Tao) was deficient (in the rulers) a want of faith in them ensued (in…
Laozi, The Tao Teh King
The author is tied to Chinese Buddhism in the knowledge graph.
Philosophers who discussed Chinese Buddhism
Related ideas
- Emperor Wuzong of Tang
- Mahāyāna Mahāparinirvāṇa Sūtra
- Hongzhi Zhengjue
- Harvard University Press
- Hong Kong
- Sentient beings (Buddhism)
- Two truths doctrine
- Chinese folk religion
- Japan
- Linji school
- Zazen
- Luoyang
- Koan
- Buddhist meditation
- Buddhahood
- Tattvasiddhi Śāstra
- Feng shui
- Mao Zedong
- Yuan dynasty
- Mantra
- Gelug
- Pure Land Buddhism
- Yin Shun
- Ancestor veneration in China
Place in the tradition
Part of Confucianism.