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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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
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
An exploration of the long relationship between Buddhism and the martial arts
Profound expressions of connection and transcendence
A bold take on Chan thought’s “pre-Buddhist” antecedents and influence on formal Chinese Buddhism
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
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
