Transcript Buddhism in China - University of Pittsburgh

Buddhism in China
Photographic Analysis
Buddhism Timeline
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Buddhism is 2,500 years old

There are currently 376 million followers worldwide
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Buddhism arose as a result of Siddhartha Gautama's quest for Enlightenment in
around the 6th Century BC
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There is no belief in a personal God. It is not centred on the relationship between
humanity and God
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Buddhists believe that nothing is fixed or permanent - change is always possible
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The two main Buddhist sects are Theravada Buddhism and Mahayana Buddhism,
but there are many more
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Buddhists can worship both at home or at a temple
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The path to Enlightenment is through the practice and development of morality,
meditation and wisdom.
Buddhism in China
 Brought to China by Buddhist monks from
India during the Han dynasty
 Assimilated into Chinese culture by merging
with aspects of Daoism
 Developed into two major schools
 Chan Buddhism
 Pure Land Buddhism
 Suppressed during the Cultural Revolution
 Temples and artwork destroyed
 State oppression relaxed following the
death of Mao Zedong
 More governmental support as lucrative
temple tourism generates a windfall of
revenue
Hangzhou Buddhist College
 The college is one of the most prestigious
institutions for Buddhist education in China
 State supported educational system
dedicated to the training of monks
 Host facility for national and international
Buddhist symposiums and ceremonies
 College ensures Buddhist doctrine continues
to flourish in Hangzhou and a support tourism
Hangzhou Buddhist College
Jingci Temple - Hangzhou
Lingyin Temple - Hangzhou
 Translation: Temple of the
Soul’s Retreat
 Chan Sect
 Major center of research and
study of Buddhist doctrine
 Turbulent history
 Destroyed and rebuilt more
than sixteen times
Lingyin Temple - Hangzhou
Temple Activity
Temple Activity
Jade Buddha Temple - Shanghai