Buddhism and Buddhists in China

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Gutenberg ID

—

Title

Buddhism and Buddhists in China

Language

en

Book source

Global Grey

Description max 80 words

Lewis Hodous offers a cultural narrative on Buddhism's integration into Chinese family life, folk beliefs, and Confucian society. This insightful volume explores the religion's evolution, its appeal to the peasantry, and its spiritual values, providing a fair yet critical perspective for Western readers.

Summary up to 500 words

Lewis Hodous's *Buddhism and Buddhists in China* offers an impressionistic yet detailed examination of how Buddhism took root in China, adapting to local conditions while interacting with Confucian ethics and Taoist superstitions. Drawing on sixteen years of missionary service in Foochow and northern China, Hodous traces the religion's entry via Central Asia, noting its official recognition around 67 A.D. following a dream of Emperor Ming-Ti and the arrival of monks on a white horse. The text highlights Buddhism's rise amidst the decline of indigenous philosophies, as rigid Confucian regulations became burdensome and Taoism devolved into meaningless rites. Hodous explores Buddhism's profound influence on peasant life, emphasizing vegetarian practices, reverence for animals, and the belief in karma and rebirth. He details how early Buddhism focused on dissolving personality, a concept later corrected by Mahayana developments that emphasized divine aid and the Bodhisattva ideal. The book contrasts these early tenets with later sects like the White Lotus, which combined Buddhist piety with magical formulas and hopes for salvation in the Pure Land of Amitabha. A central theme is the complex relationship between Buddhism and the state. While occasionally favored, Buddhism faced strenuous opposition from Confucian orthodoxy, which viewed its vegetarianism and celibacy as contrary to social duties. This tension led to periodic persecutions, forcing Buddhism to retreat into lay societies that preserved its piety in secret. Hodous argues that while Buddhism offers serenity and moral ideals, Christianity provides a broader revelation of God, a stronger sense of sin, and the concept of incarnation. Ultimately, the book serves as an introduction to the 'real religious life' of Chinese Buddhists, suggesting that the best of Buddhism finds fuller expression in the Christian faith, appealing to the devout souls who seek a deeper, more balanced spirituality.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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https://www.globalgreyebooks.com/ebooks/lewis-hodous_buddhism-and-buddhists-in-china.epub

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Categories

• Religion
• Philosophy