spread of buddhism

When did Buddhism first enter China?

In the 1st century AD via trade routes from India and Central Asia.

What philosophies were dominant in China when Buddhism arrived?

Confucianism and Taoism.

What helped Buddhism spread after the Han dynasty collapsed?

Social instability and the increased appeal of new ideas like Buddhism.

Who were early translators of Buddhist texts in China?

Mostly foreign monks like An Shigao (likely Parthian)

What translation method was developed to handle linguistic difficulties?

Team translation: foreign monks recited, interpreters translated, Chinese assistants wrote the text.

When were the first Chinese monks and disciplinary texts introduced?

Around 250 AD.

Who was the first known Chinese nun?

Zhu Jingjian, ordained in the mid-4th century.

Why was Zhu Jingjian’s ordination later disputed?

It occurred without nuns present, which violated vinaya rules.

What resolved the ordination issue for Chinese nuns in 433 AD?

A second ordination with Sri Lankan nuns present.

Which three vinaya traditions influenced early Chinese monastic life?

Sarvāstivāda, Dharmaguptaka, and Mahāsāṃghika.

Which vinaya became dominant in China by the 8th century and why?

Dharmaguptaka, due to vinaya masters like Daoxuan and imperial support

What is the Fanwang jing and how is it used?

A text of bodhisattva precepts used for a second ordination in Chinese Buddhism.

Why did Buddhist monasticism face tension with Chinese society?

Monks didn’t pay taxes, owned land, and lived outside the lay economy.

When did large monasteries start developing and what roles did they play?

In the 4th century; as religious, cultural, and economic centers.

Which rulers heavily sponsored Buddhism in northern China?

The Tuoba-Wei (386–534), builders of the Yungang and Longmen caves.

What were common criticisms or actions taken against Buddhist monasteries?

Persecutions, confiscation of wealth, and tax evasion complaints

Name two major Buddhist persecutions in China

In 446 and 574 AD, both in northern China.

During which dynasties did Buddhist monasteries thrive again?

Sui (589–618) and Tang (618–907) dynasties

Who was Xuanzang and why is he important?

A monk who traveled to India (629–645), translated texts, and wrote commentaries

What happened to monasteries in the 9th century?

Major state repression weakened the Buddhist community

How did Buddhism survive in later centuries?

Often intertwined with Taoist temples; main schools were Tiantai and Chan.

Which philosophy dominated in the Ming dynasty?

Confucianism

Which form of Buddhism received imperial support during the Qing dynasty?

Esoteric (Tantric) Buddhism under Manchu rulers

What happened to Buddhism in China in the 19th and 20th centuries?

It declined due to wars, unrest, and political changes

When did Buddhist revival begin in China and Taiwan?

Around 1980 in Mainland China; earlier in Taiwan.

What role did Korea often play between China and Japan?

A cultural, political, and economic bridge

Which three kingdoms existed in Korea when Buddhism arrived

Goguryeo (north), Baekje (southwest), Silla (southeast).

When did Buddhism first reach Korea and where?

In 372, in Goguryeo, through a Chinese delegation

Which Indian monk arrived in Baekje in 384?

Mālānanda, from southern China.

What do the warm receptions of Buddhist monks in early Korea suggest

Buddhism was already somewhat known and respected

How did Buddhism likely spread across Korea

From Goguryeo → Baekje → Silla

When did Buddhism reach Silla

In the 5th century; it became popular at court in the 6th century

What function did Buddhism serve in Silla

Protection of the state; also played a diplomatic role with China

Who was Jajang and why is he important

A monk who studied in China and returned in 643; promoted textual study and centralized ordination

When was Korea unified under Silla, and with whose help?

In 668, with help from China’s Tang dynasty.

What was the name of the state formed from parts of Goguryeo and Manchuria

Balhae (698–926).

Which Buddhist schools became popular during Silla and Goryeo periods?

Tiantai, Huayan, Tantrism, and later Chan (Seon).

What are the two major Buddhist schools during the Goryeo dynasty?

Tiantai and Seon (parallel to China).

What major Buddhist project was completed under Goryeo despite Mongol attacks?

A full woodblock edition of the Tripiṭaka

Which dynasty began in 1392, and what ideology did it promote?

The Joseon dynasty; promoted Confucianism

What happened to Buddhist monasteries under the Joseon dynasty?

Their political power was reduced significantly

What happened in 1910 that affected Korean Buddhism

Japan annexed Korea; monasteries were supported but also resisted occupation

How did religion develop in Korea after WWII

North Korea: religion suppressed.
South Korea: Buddhism flourished alongside Christianity

Who promoted Buddhism as his favorite religion in Japan and when?

Prince Shōtoku (574–622), beginning in 593.

When and how did Buddhism first enter Japan?

Around 550, via a Baekje delegation that brought texts and artifacts.

What traditional religion opposed early Buddhism in Japan?

Shintoism, especially among military circles.

Why was Chinese culture (including Buddhism) imitated in Japan?

It was seen as politically and culturally prestigious.

What temple did Prince Shōtoku build and why?

Hōryūji, to spread Chinese Buddhist culture.

What was the most influential Buddhist school during the Nara period?

Huayan (Jap. Kegon), promoted by Emperor Shōmu.

Which temple became the center of Buddhism in the Nara period?

Tōdai-ji in Nara.

What role did the Ritsu school play in Nara-period Japan?

Controlled monastic ordinations, using Dharmaguptaka Vinaya.

Did Shintoism disappear after Buddhism’s rise?

No, Shinto gods were venerated in Buddhist monasteries.

Why was the capital moved to Heian (Kyōto) in 794?

To limit the influence of powerful Buddhist monasteries.

Which two major Buddhist schools developed in the Heian period?

Tendai (Tiantai) and Shingon (Zhenyan).

Who founded the Tendai school in Japan?

Saichō (766–822), after studying in China.

What was new about Tendai ordination practices?

Based on Mahāyāna and Fanwang jing, not Vinaya.

Where was the Tendai ordination center located?

Mount Hiei, near Kyōto.

Who founded the Shingon school?

Kūkai (773–835), also after studying in China.

What happened to monasteries during the Heian period?

They became rich and powerful, often engaging in military rivalries.

Which clan rose to power during the Kamakura period (1185–1333)?

The Minamoto clan; military rule began with the shōguns.

What new, more popular schools rose in the Kamakura period?

Jōdo, Jōdo Shinshū, Nichiren, and Zen.

Who founded the Jōdo school and what was its focus?

Hōnen (1133–1212); veneration of Amida Buddha.

Who founded the Jōdo Shinshū school?

Shinran (1173–1262), Hōnen’s disciple.

What was unique about Jōdo Shinshū practice?

Emphasis on faith in Amida only; opposed celibacy and rituals.

What did Nichiren promote and reject?

Reciting the title of the Lotus Sutra; rejected all other schools.

What school became popular with the military in the Kamakura period?

Zen Buddhism.

Who were Eisai and Dōgen, and how did they differ?

Zen monks who studied in China;
Eisai: Rinzai (kōans, no rational thinking).
Dōgen: Sōtō (silent meditation).

Did new Buddhist schools develop after the Kamakura period?

No major new schools emerged.

Which school was favored in the Ashikaga period (1336–1573)?

Zen, especially among military leaders.

What happened to Buddhism during the Edo period (1601–1867)?

Tokugawa promoted Jōdo and suppressed Christianity;
registration at Buddhist temples was mandated.

What philosophies rose alongside Buddhism in the Edo period?

Confucianism and Shinto nationalism.

What happened to religion during the Meiji period (1867–1912)?

Shintoism was promoted as the state religion, but Buddhism was restored by 1877.

Which Buddhist school has the most followers in Japan today?

The Nichiren school.