Buddhism in China

Photographic Analysis

Buddhism Timeline Buddhism is 2,500 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 BC

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 more

Buddhists can worship both at home or at a temple

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