Spread of Buddhism

• Starting with Ashoka

Spread of Buddhism

• Starting with Ashoka• Spread in China: Why?– Why would Age of Division create a good

environment for the spread of Buddhism?

Spread of Buddhism

• Starting with Ashoka• Spread in China: Why?– Open to new ideas– Chaos/Suffering– Conf order discredited– Useful for fledgling rulers

Spread of Buddhism

• Starting with Ashoka• Spread in China: Why?• Spread in China: How?– Merchants, Rulers, Missionaries– Flowering of Monasteries– Result: Widespread

Based on what we learned about Islam, what will happen when Buddhism spreads to China?

Making Buddhism Chinese

• Differences between Confucianism/Buddhism?– Monastic Life?– Otherworldly?

Making Buddhism Chinese

• Differences between Confucianism/Buddhism?– Monastic Life clashes with Filial Piety– Otherworldly vs. This-Worldly – Foreign

Making Buddhism Chinese

• Differences between Confucianism/Buddhism?– Monastic Life clashes with Filial Piety– Otherworldly vs. This-Worldly – Foreign

• Incorporation and Synthesis– Second Sons– Translations• Dharma/Dao• MoralityObedience

Making Buddhism Chinese

• Differences between Confucianism/Buddhism?– Monastic Life clashes with Filial Piety– Otherworldly vs. This-Worldly – Foreign

• Incorporation and Synthesis– Second Sons– Translations

• Dharma/Dao• MoralityObedience

– Mahayana– Pure Land

Making Buddhism Chinese• Differences between Confucianism/Buddhism?

– Monastic Life clashes with Filial Piety– Otherworldly vs. This-Worldly – Foreign

• Incorporation and Synthesis– Teachings of various Buddhist schools– Second Sons– Translations

• Dharma/Dao• MoralityObedience

– Mahayana– Pure Land

• Result: Popular and Authentically Chinese

Disposition of Error

• Background• Similar to Analects?

Disposition of Error

• Background• Similar to Analects?• Problematic Buddhist Practices?

Disposition of Error

• Background• Similar to Analects?• Problematic Buddhist Practices?– Body and Hair– Don’t Marry

Disposition of Error

• Background• Similar to Analects?• Problematic Buddhist Practices?– Body and Hair– Don’t Marry

• From India– Why a problem?– Defense?

Disposition of Error

• Background• Similar to Analects?• Problematic Buddhist Practices?– Body and Hair– Don’t Marry

• From India– Why a problem?– Defense?

• Defense of tough life?

Disposition of Error

• Background• Similar to Analects?• Problematic Buddhist Practices?– Body and Hair– Don’t Marry

• From India– Why a problem?– Defense?

• Defense of tough life?• No Immortality?

Disposition of Error

• What techniques does the author defend Buddhism?

Political Support (300-800 CE)

• Age of Division Rulers• Sui Emperor Wendi• Tang Support

Spread of Monasteries (300-800 CE)

• Overview: Prosperous and Tax-Free• Social Support

Spread of Monasteries (300-800 CE)

• Overview: Prosperous and Tax-Free• Social Support• Connected to State Power– Patronage– Tax Exemptions– Control through tax/regulations

Decline of Buddhism: Criticism

• Overview• Edicts of Tang Emperor Wuzong (9th)

Decline of Buddhism: Criticism

• Overview• Edicts of Tang Emperor Wuzong (9th)– 1

Decline of Buddhism: Repression

• An Lushan Rebellion (755-763)– “Now the Buddha was of barbarian origin. His

language differed from Chinese speech; his clothes were of a different cut; his mouth did not pronounce the prescribed words of Former Kings…He did not recognize the relationship between pricne and subject, nor the sentiments of father and son…I pray that Your Majesty will turn this bone over to the officials that it may be cast into water or fire.”

Decline of Buddhism: Repression

• An Lushan Rebellion (755-763)

Decline of Buddhism: Repression

• An Lushan Rebellion (755-763)• Edicts of Wuzong

Decline of Buddhism: Repression

• An Lushan Rebellion (755-763)• Edicts of Wuzong– D

Decline of Buddhism: Repression

• An Lushan Rebellion (755-763)• Edicts of Wuzong• Outcome

Legacy of Buddhism

• Neo-Confucianism• Popular Religion• Temples