12.1 The introduction and growth of Buddhism in China

Buddhism's journey to China began during the Han Dynasty, traveling along the Silk Road. Merchants and monks brought Buddhist ideas and texts, which gained popularity during times of political instability. People found solace in Buddhist philosophy and practices like meditation and chanting.

Key figures played crucial roles in spreading Buddhism in China. Translators like An Shigao and Kumarajiva made Buddhist texts accessible to Chinese audiences. Xuanzang's journey to India and his translations greatly expanded the Chinese Buddhist canon, inspiring the classic novel "Journey to the West."

Historical Introduction and Key Figures

Buddhism's arrival via trade routes

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• Buddhism first reached China during the Han Dynasty (202 BCE - 220 CE)
  • Introduced via the Silk Road network of trade routes connecting China with Central Asia and India
  • Merchants, travelers, and monks played a crucial role in transmitting Buddhist ideas and texts (sutras, statues)
• Buddhism gained prominence during the Period of Disunion (220-589 CE) and the Sui and Tang Dynasties (581-907 CE)
  • Increased cultural exchange facilitated the spread of Buddhist teachings
  • Political instability led people to seek solace in Buddhist philosophy and practices (meditation, chanting)

Key figures in Buddhist transmission

• An Shigao (2nd century CE)
  • One of the earliest known translators of Buddhist texts into Chinese
  • Translated works from the Theravada and Mahayana traditions (Dharmapada, Prajna Paramita Sutra)
• Kumarajiva (344-413 CE)
  • Influential translator during the Late Qin Dynasty renowned for his linguistic skills and understanding of Buddhist doctrine
  • Translated important Mahayana sutras (Diamond Sutra, Lotus Sutra) making them accessible to Chinese audiences
• Xuanzang (602-664 CE)
  • Chinese Buddhist monk and scholar who traveled to India during the Tang Dynasty to study at Nalanda University
  • Brought back numerous Buddhist texts (657 volumes) and translated them into Chinese, greatly expanding the Chinese Buddhist canon
  • His journey inspired the classic Chinese novel "Journey to the West" featuring the iconic Monkey King character

Interaction with Chinese Philosophies and Development of Schools

Buddhism vs indigenous Chinese philosophies

• Buddhism adapted to Chinese cultural and philosophical contexts to facilitate acceptance
  • Incorporated Confucian values like filial piety and social harmony, presenting the Buddha as a model of virtue
  • Assimilated Taoist concepts like non-action (wu wei) and the Tao, drawing parallels between Buddhist and Taoist thought
• Neo-Confucianism emerged in response to the growing influence of Buddhism
  • Philosophers like Han Yu and Li Ao criticized Buddhism as a foreign religion that undermined traditional Chinese values
• Taoism and Buddhism shared some common ground
  • Both emphasized detachment, simplicity, and harmony with nature (hermits, mountain retreats)
  • Taoist concepts like yin-yang and the five elements were incorporated into Chinese Buddhist cosmology

Development of Chinese Buddhist schools

• Tiantai school
  • Founded by Zhiyi (538-597 CE) during the Sui Dynasty based on the Lotus Sutra
  • Emphasized the concept of "One Vehicle" (Ekayana) - all beings have the potential for Buddhahood
  • Developed the "Three Truths" doctrine: emptiness, conventional existence, and the Middle Way
• Huayan school
  • Emerged during the Tang Dynasty, based on the Avatamsaka Sutra
  • Emphasized the interconnectedness and interpenetration of all phenomena (Indra's Net)
  • Key figures include Dushun, Zhiyan, and Fazang who developed sophisticated philosophical systems
• Chan (Zen) Buddhism
  • Developed during the Tang Dynasty, traditionally attributed to Bodhidharma who brought Chan teachings from India
  • Emphasized direct transmission of wisdom from master to disciple rather than reliance on scriptures (wordless transmission)
  • Focused on meditation, self-realization, and sudden enlightenment (satori)
  • Influenced by Taoist concepts and the Chinese emphasis on simplicity and spontaneity

Impact on Chinese Culture

Buddhism's impact on Chinese culture

• Art
  • Buddhist cave temples featured sculptures and frescoes depicting Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and Jataka tales (Mogao Caves, Longmen Grottoes)
  • Buddhist iconography became prevalent in Chinese art (Guanyin, Amitabha Buddha, Maitreya Buddha)
  • Promoted the development of new artistic styles and techniques (dry lacquer, stone carving)
• Literature
  • Buddhist sutras and commentaries were widely translated and circulated, becoming part of Chinese literary culture
  • Buddhist themes and ideas influenced Chinese poetry, prose, and fiction (Journey to the West, Dream of the Red Chamber)
  • The "Journey to the West" novel, featuring the monkey king Sun Wukong, popularized Buddhist concepts like enlightenment and karma
• Culture
  • Buddhism introduced new concepts like karma, reincarnation, and the Four Noble Truths which became part of Chinese religious discourse
  • Buddhist monasteries became centers of learning, attracting scholars and fostering education (woodblock printing, libraries)
  • Buddhist festivals and rituals were incorporated into Chinese cultural practices (Ghost Festival, Birthday of Guanyin, Bathing the Buddha)