Buddhism in Chinese History

Abstract

This chapter presents a broad historical survey of Chinese Buddhism. It covers the period from the initial transmission of the foreign religion into the Middle Kingdom during the Han dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE) until the modern era, or roughly from the first until the twentieth century of the Common Era. The chapter addresses some important historical development or general features of Chinese Buddhism, such as the process of canon formation, the emergence of various Buddhist schools, and the common expressions of popular piety. Buddhism reached the peak of its development and impact on Chinese society during the Sui (581–618) and Tang (618–907) dynasties. Generally speaking, the impacts of Buddhism on Chinese culture and society were noticeably weaker during the second millennium, which for the most part coincides with the late imperial era in Chinese history.

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