Buddhism in China

Photographic Analysis

Buddhism Timeline  Buddhism is 2,500 years old2,500 years old  There are currently 376 million followers worldwide  Buddhism arose as a result of Siddhartha Gautama's quest for Enlightenment in around the 6th Century BCSiddhartha Gautama's  There is no belief in a personal God. It is not centred on the relationship between humanity and God  Buddhists believe that nothing is fixed or permanent - change is always possible  The two main Buddhist sects are Theravada Buddhism and Mahayana Buddhism, but there are many moreTheravadaMahayana  Buddhists can worship both at home or at a templeworship  The path to Enlightenment is through the practice and development of morality, meditation and wisdom. meditation

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

Jade Buddha Temple - Shanghai