Buddhism in Pre-Modern China
- Course Code:
- 158000171
- Status:
- Course Not Running 2013/2014
- Unit value:
- 1
- Year of study:
- Year 2 or Year 3
- Taught in:
- Full Year
This course has a twofold aim: first, it will explore the formation of Chinese Buddhism during its period of most fertile contact with India, discussing its peculiar identity in the wider context of Buddhism as a cross-cultural religious tradition; secondly, the course will locate Buddhism as a part of Chinese religious tradition and discuss its relationship with indigenous beliefs and practices. Students will be introduced to the history, schools and doctrines of Buddhism in China from its introduction until the 14th century. Topics will include:
- the historical process of diffusion of Buddhism to China from India and Central Asia;
- the varieties and strains of Buddhism that entered China from the beginning of the Common Era;
- the stages and major events in the history of Buddhism in pre-modern China;
- the doctrines and tenets of the main schools (Chan, Tiantai, Pure Land, etc.);
- the cultural assimilation of Buddhism in China and its adaptation to the local culture.
Objectives and learning outcomes of the course
The aim of the course is to introduce students to the history, schools and doctrines of Buddhism in China from its introduction until the Song dynasty (960-1279). On completion of the syllabus, students should:
- Have acquired a basic knowledge of the historical development of Buddhism in China in the period under consideration.
- Have become familiar with the main schools (Chan, Tiantai, Pure Land, etc.) and doctrines of pre-modern Chinese Buddhism.
- Be aware of the peculiar identity of Chinese Buddhism in the wider context of Buddhism as a cross-cultural religious tradition.
- Be able to locate Buddhism as a part of Chinese religious tradition and discuss its relationship with indigenous beliefs and practices.
- Have acquired the basic methodological skills for the study of Chinese Buddhism.
Method of assessment
2 essays (3,000 words each) (20% each), 3-hour examination (60%).Suggested reading
- Zürcher, Erik (1959), The Buddhist Conquest of China, Leiden: Brill.
- Kieschnick, John (2003), The Impact of Buddhism on Chinese Material Culture.
- Sharf, Robert (2002), Coming to Terms with Chinese Buddhism, Honolulu: University of Hawai’i Press.
