The development of Chinese Buddhism

Buddhism is one of the oldest religions known, formed 2,500 years ago in India It has expeditiously spread across the world evolving with different cultures, this is evident from it’s adaptation and impact in China.

Buddhism originated in India when founded by Siddhartha Gautama who was originally considered to be neither a divine entity or a messiah but rather a teacher or guide and was later know as the Buddha (the enlightened one). His quest was a philosophical one aspiring to unveil the truths about the reality regarding the roots and ‘cure’ for suffering. Like most eastern philosophers, he wasn’t interested in the unattainable answers surrounding metaphysics that preoccupied the Greeks. Instead, Buddha advocated for the practice of a ‘middle way’: after having lived a life of sensual indulgences and luxury and later experiencing extreme hardships under asceticism. A ‘middle way’ path involved a simple lifestyle which concentrated on an individual’s self, balance and the assured impermanence of life. Ultimately, the main goal of Buddhism is achieving enlightenment and subsequently escape the cycle of samsara. The Buddha was the first person to accomplish this, when mediating under a peepul tree he uncovered the answers about existence. He realised that: Unless enlightened, all souls are trapped in the endless cycle of samsara in an infinite rotation of life, death and rebirth where suffering is inevitable. It is only when they achieve enlightenment that they can break free and reach nirvana, a state of peace deprived of suffering.This core ideology is consistent throughout all forms of Buddhism.

Theravada Buddhism known as ‘the school of the elders’ is regarded as the orthodox form of Buddhism adhering to the conventional practices which Buddha established. It is mostly prominent in countries like Thailand, Sri Lanka and Cambodia. However, the proliferation of Buddhism prompted the formation of different Buddhist traditions which were more suitable in relation to their areas. Mahayana Buddhism began to emerge as an umbrella term referring to later Buddhist traditions. These included; Pure Land Buddhism, Zen Buddhism and Tibetan Buddhism. This is the type of Buddhism most distinguishable in China. Although both types share the same core beliefs such as the four noble truths and the eightfold path, Mahayana promotes the concept of the aspirant not just seeking personal enlightenment but the enlightenment of all. A Theravada Buddhist would strive to become an arhat, a perfected person, who has overcome causes of suffering and individually attains enlightenment. However, for Mahayana Buddhists the ideal is to become a Bodhisattva rather than an arhat. Since Mahayana commends compassion, a Bodhisattva is the most admirable position as it involves the great sacrifice of optionally remaining in the cycle of samsara despite achieving enlightenment. A Bodhisattva does this in order to help others break free of the cycle. In Theravada Buddhism the Buddha is depicted as as a solely historical figure, who is absent in the world. This opposes Mahayana Buddhists who believe Buddha to be immanent and pervading. Chinese Buddhists even perceive Buddha as a deity to be prayed to for help and salvation. The Chinese portrayal of the Buddha is considerably different to the original teachings. Traditionally, the Buddha was said to be extremely skinny and gaunt when achieving enlightenment, due to his time practicing asceticism. However, a very popular depiction of the Buddha in China is the ‘laughing Buddha’. He is seen as ultimate symbol of happiness from his smiling cheeks and plump stomach. He also represents good fortune, wealth and fulfilment which could arguably contrast traditional Theravada Buddhism as it stems from ideas of financial benefits which goes against traditional concepts of impermanence and the futility of materialistic aspirations.

Theravada Buddhism known as ‘the school of the elders’ is regarded as the orthodox form of Buddhism adhering to the conventional practices which Buddha established. It is mostly prominent in countries like Thailand, Sri Lanka and Cambodia. However, the proliferation of Buddhism prompted the formation of different Buddhist traditions which were more suitable in relation to their areas. Mahayana Buddhism began to emerge as an umbrella term referring to later Buddhist traditions. These included; Pure Land Buddhism, Zen Buddhism and Tibetan Buddhism. This is the type of Buddhism most distinguishable in China. Although both types share the same core beliefs such as the four noble truths and the eightfold path, Mahayana promotes the concept of the aspirant not just seeking personal enlightenment but the enlightenment of all. A Theravada Buddhist would strive to become an arhat, a perfected person, who has overcome causes of suffering and individually attains enlightenment. However, for Mahayana Buddhists the ideal is to become a Bodhisattva rather than an arhat. Since Mahayana commends compassion, a Bodhisattva is the most admirable position as it involves the great sacrifice of optionally remaining in the cycle of samsara despite achieving enlightenment. A Bodhisattva does this in order to help others break free of the cycle. In Theravada Buddhism the Buddha is depicted as as a solely historical figure, who is absent in the world. This opposes Mahayana Buddhists who believe Buddha to be immanent and pervading. Chinese Buddhists even perceive Buddha as a deity to be prayed to for help and salvation. The Chinese portrayal of the Buddha is considerably different to the original teachings. Traditionally, the Buddha was said to be extremely skinny and gaunt when achieving enlightenment, due to his time practicing asceticism. However, a very popular depiction of the Buddha in China is the ‘laughing Buddha’. He is seen as ultimate symbol of happiness from his smiling cheeks and plump stomach. He also represents good fortune, wealth and fulfilment which could arguably contrast traditional Theravada Buddhism as it stems from ideas of financial benefits which goes against traditional concepts of impermanence and the futility of materialistic aspirations.

Buddhism ultimately had a significant impact on China. Despite being a foreign religion and facing major persecution, Buddhism overcame the challenges and developed into the largest foreign religion in China and one of the three largest religions in China overall. While Buddhism influenced China’s other philosophies, art and other aspects of Chinese culture, the religion itself adapted to accommodate to China. Buddhist schools were established with ideas from Confucianism and Taoism and Buddhism transformed into its own branch separate to traditional Theravada Buddhism. All of this exhibits Buddhism’s influence in Chinese culture and development.