Buddhism in the People’s Republic
The Mahayana Tradition in Contemporary China
A warm welcome to Buddhism in the People’s Republic, a special project by Buddhistdoor Global aiming to provide a concise, insightful, and informative overview of the history of contemporary Chinese Buddhism, and the modern practices and influences that are shaping the changing face of modern China.
Here, we take an in-depth look at one of the great living civilizational loci of the Buddhist tradition. Buddhism has been a key factor defining Chinese thought and culture—its far-reaching influence helping to shape and inform many aspects of life, from art, literature, philosophy, politics, and social mores to medicine, science, and material culture. Since the 1980s, Buddhism has experienced a vibrant revival throughout the Chinese cultural sphere. That awakening has gathered momentum to the present day, and continues to play an important role in the internal dialogue and evolution of Chinese society.
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Buddhistdoor View: Compassion and Enlightened Mirth as Modern Dharma values at the Sixth World Buddhist Forum
BDG contributor Dr. Sanjoy Barua Chowdhury recently attended one of China’s most important Buddhist events of the past few years, the Sixth World Buddhist Forum
The Sixth World Buddhist Forum: A Gathering of Harmony, a Promise of Coexistence
The sixth iteration of China’s largest international Buddhist symposium marks a renewed emphasis on compassionate action and enlightened joy
The British Library’s “A Silk Road Oasis” – Mélodie Doumy’s Exploration of Dunhuang’s Cultural Convergence
British Library curator Mélodie Doumy reveals the secrets of real, lived stories of people from the desert town of Dunhuang
Buddhistdoor View: Telling a History We Can All Resonate with through Dunhuang
The British Library’s exhibition on Dunhuang is an exemplar of storytelling to learn from our shared and interconnected human history
Transcendent Treasures: Unveiling Buddhist Art at Sotheby’s Maison Hong Kong
From 27 July to 11 September, Sotheby’s Hong Kong is hosting its new Maison’s inaugural exhibition of exquisite Buddhist sculptures
Book Review: A History of Uyghur Buddhism
Filling a critical void in the scholarly literature, Elverskog offers a fascinating and wide ranging account of Buddhism’s impact on Uyghur culture as well as the Uyghur contribution to Buddhism
Tangut Tango: Exploring the Wuwei Xixia Museum in Gansu, China
This little-known institution has on display some of the most iconic marvels of the esoteric empire of the Western Xia
Buddhistdoor View: Here Be Dragons – A Year of Transformation and Thunderstorms
This New Year of the dragon invites us to explore the Buddhist potentiality for unlimited change and positive transformation
Metallic Monuments of Mercy: Shanxi’s Iron Bodhisattva Statues
Exploring the Shanxi tradition of Iron Buddha statues, which have left an indelible mark on Chinese Buddhist art and aesthetics
The Fengxian Temple and Wu Zetian’s Esoteric Legacy
China’s first and only female emperor, Wu Zetian, left behind a remarkable legacy of esoteric and Huayan Buddhism and beyond
Straight to the Heart: The Contemporary Legacy of Zongmi’s Huayan-Chan Fusion
Huayan might no longer be a thing as an institution, but its influence in popular Chan Buddhism lives on in China thanks to Zongmi
The Blooming of Virtue and Morality: Storytelling in Mogao Cave 275
The stunning Cave 275 is a visual repository of many ancient Buddhist stories inspiring virtue, beloved throughout Asia