Challenge and Response:On the Critical Issues about Localization of Buddhism in China before the Tang Dynasty
Date Issued
2007
Date
2007
Author(s)
Chou, Wen-kuan
DOI
zh-TW
Abstract
The process called “Localization of Buddhism” means that Buddism has been transformed from external culture into Chinese Buddhism which has the same influence as Confucianism and Taoism. In addition to comparison between Indian Buddhism and Chinese Buddhism showing this cultural transformation, the challenge to Buddism interposed by Chinese scholars and the response syncretized with the thought of the thought of Buddhism and Taoism or Buddhism and Confucianism by Buddhism guardian lead to cultural interaction and development in China.
This paper based on the debate on the Hongmingji and Guanghongmingj and related literature investigates critical issues debated by Chinese scholars and Buddhism guardians about three aspects - personal view of life, group morality, and national civilization.
These aspects reveal Chinese thought frame, the ideal achievement of “Refine One-self; Maintain Family; Govern the Nation; Bring Peace to the World”. Chinese scholars utilize the thought frame to challenge emerging Buddhism, and Buddhism guardians’ response indicates that Buddhism is finding the way into China. About personal view of life, Buddhism guardians shift explanation of shen bu shou sh and yin guo lun hui to concern of 成佛之道。 The viewpoint of 性成命定 has been changed due to entrance of Buddhism, and then the development of the study of xinxing from The Sui and Tang Dynasty Buddhism to the Schools of Learning in Sung and Ming Dynasty has been inclined to 成佛成聖. About group morality, Buddhism guardians emphasize that Buddhism respects filial piety, showing that they face the facts and come to a compromise. About national civilization, 夷夏之爭 and national congress fort debate on three doctrines both focus on issues about public affairs, showing that thrones emphasize Buddhism cooperating with Confucianism and Taoism to become Chinese public affairs. This paper investigates the development, conversion and influence of these aspects and try to elaborate on concrete content of Localization of Buddhism.
This paper proposes a new research direction for the old issue -“Localization of Buddhism” from three aspects - personal view of life, group morality, and national civilization by discussing the debate on the Hongmingji and Guanghongmingj and related literature. We discover that Localization of Buddhism is a series of challenge and response. Buddhism challenged by Chinese scholars is a new force into long-run cultural development in China. Buddhism guardians response not only by proposing new doctrine to stimulate Chinese mind and to convert academic development, but also by revising doctrine and thought into acceptable thought and behavior in China. Finally, Buddhism becomes a significant branch in Chinese culture and academia.
Subjects
弘明集
廣弘明集
個人生命
群己倫理
Localization of Buddhism in China
Hongmingji
Guanghongmingji
ego
the principles of human relations
the church and the state
Type
thesis
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