
Pilgrimage: Visiting the Buddhist Mountain of Wutaishan
The history, attractions, and heritage of Manjushri’s mountain, one of China’s “Four Great Sacred Peaks”
A warm welcome to Buddhism in the People’s Republic, a special project by Buddhistdoor Global that turns an illuminating spotlight on the many faces, practices, and schools of Mahayana Buddhism in contemporary China.
This ambitious undertaking is a unique, year-long initiative that takes an in-depth look at one of the great living civilizational loci of the Buddhist tradition. We aim to introduce, examine, and discuss the ways in which this ancient spiritual tradition is expressed and practiced in modern-day China, and to consider its implications for the future of one of the most rapidly evolving societies in the world.
Buddhism was first introduced to Han dynasty China by traveling monks and scholars from India during the first century, and for the past two millennia it has been a key factor defining Chinese society, thought, and culture—its far-reaching influence helping to shape and inform virtually every aspect of life, from art, literature, philosophy, politics, and social mores to medicine, science, and material culture.
Since the 1980s, following the easing of state restrictions on religious practices, 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 transforming the rich internal landscape of Chinese society.
Through this new project, Buddhistdoor Global’s editorial team and expert contributors aim 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.
We hope you enjoy your visits here. Please explore our articles below, discuss this project with your friends, and share your thoughts and feedback with the Buddhistdoor community.
Be sure to bookmark this page so that you can stay up to date with the latest activity and content about Buddhism in the People’s Republic!
The history, attractions, and heritage of Manjushri’s mountain, one of China’s “Four Great Sacred Peaks”
The landscape, temples, and conservation of Kshitigarbha’s mountain, one of China’s “Four Great Sacred Peaks”
The Mogao Grottoes’ living legacy as sacred space, archeological trove, tourist locale, and conservation site
Prof. Xuan Fang’s analysis of changing government policies for religion and Buddhism, digitization, and new ideas
Prof. Xuan Fang of Renmin University unpacks the most recent trends in Buddhism in Mainland China
A 2015 essay by Master Jingzong on the problems and opportunities faced by Chinese Buddhism today
An analysis of Buddhism’s newfound status, progress, and tensions in a China that embraces religion
The history, attractions, and heritage of Manjushri’s mountain, one of China’s “Four Great Sacred Peaks”
The landscape, temples, and conservation of Kshitigarbha’s mountain, one of China’s “Four Great Sacred Peaks”
The Mogao Grottoes’ living legacy as sacred space, archeological trove, tourist locale, and conservation site
Prof. Xuan Fang’s analysis of changing government policies for religion and Buddhism, digitization, and new ideas
Prof. Xuan Fang of Renmin University unpacks the most recent trends in Buddhism in Mainland China
A 2015 essay by Master Jingzong on the problems and opportunities faced by Chinese Buddhism today
An analysis of Buddhism’s newfound status, progress, and tensions in a China that embraces religion
China’s first and only female emperor, Wu Zetian, left behind a remarkable legacy of esoteric and Huayan Buddhism and beyond
The stunning Cave 275 is a visual repository of many ancient Buddhist stories inspiring virtue, beloved throughout Asia
A unique exhibition in Hong Kong showcases the story and impact of the nomadic peoples and cultures that shaped Chinese history
From Canada to China, French-born artist Francoise Issaly explores spirituality and Buddhist ideas in her art
An exploration of the long relationship between Buddhism and the martial arts
Profound expressions of connection and transcendence
China’s first and only female emperor, Wu Zetian, left behind a remarkable legacy of esoteric and Huayan Buddhism and beyond
The stunning Cave 275 is a visual repository of many ancient Buddhist stories inspiring virtue, beloved throughout Asia
A unique exhibition in Hong Kong showcases the story and impact of the nomadic peoples and cultures that shaped Chinese history
From Canada to China, French-born artist Francoise Issaly explores spirituality and Buddhist ideas in her art
An exploration of the long relationship between Buddhism and the martial arts
Profound expressions of connection and transcendence
China’s first and only female emperor, Wu Zetian, left behind a remarkable legacy of esoteric and Huayan Buddhism and beyond
How Buddhism and Daoism interacted to bring a unique spiritual heritage in historical and modern China
A unique exhibition in Hong Kong showcases the story and impact of the nomadic peoples and cultures that shaped Chinese history
Charles B. Jones has recently published a slate of vastly informative publications on the Pure Land tradition. In 2019, the associate professor of Religion and
A monograph that questions old assumptions about Buddhism’s decline in the late Ming Dynasty
Sam Van Schaik discusses the union of Buddhism and magic in a groundbreaking study of Dunhuang traditions
A landmark book on China’s Pure Land tradition
Buddhist education and reform in China
Master Jingzong’s essay on the evolution of Mahayana Buddhist schools in China
How Tiantai master Zhiyi combined meditative practices with Chinese medicine and medical thought
The Sinitic absorption and stewardship of Mahayana
China’s first and only female emperor, Wu Zetian, left behind a remarkable legacy of esoteric and Huayan Buddhism and beyond
How Buddhism and Daoism interacted to bring a unique spiritual heritage in historical and modern China
A unique exhibition in Hong Kong showcases the story and impact of the nomadic peoples and cultures that shaped Chinese history
Charles B. Jones has recently published a slate of vastly informative publications on the Pure Land tradition. In 2019, the associate professor of Religion and
A monograph that questions old assumptions about Buddhism’s decline in the late Ming Dynasty
Sam Van Schaik discusses the union of Buddhism and magic in a groundbreaking study of Dunhuang traditions
A landmark book on China’s Pure Land tradition
Buddhist education and reform in China
Master Jingzong’s essay on the evolution of Mahayana Buddhist schools in China
How Tiantai master Zhiyi combined meditative practices with Chinese medicine and medical thought
The Sinitic absorption and stewardship of Mahayana
Huayan might no longer be a thing as an institution, but its influence in popular Chan Buddhism lives on in China thanks to Zongmi
A bold take on Chan thought’s “pre-Buddhist” antecedents and influence on formal Chinese Buddhism
An interview with Ven. Ming Hai, vice-president of the Buddhist Association of China and abbot of Bai Lin Temple
Huayan might no longer be a thing as an institution, but its influence in popular Chan Buddhism lives on in China thanks to Zongmi
A bold take on Chan thought’s “pre-Buddhist” antecedents and influence on formal Chinese Buddhism
An interview with Ven. Ming Hai, vice-president of the Buddhist Association of China and abbot of Bai Lin Temple