Buddhism and the Society of Sui and Tang Dynasties

Author: Zhang Guogang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-08-01
Features: "The Chinese Media Academic and Society Series: Buddhism and the Society of Sui and Tang Dynasties" discusses the relationship and influence between Buddhism and various aspects of social life in the Sui and Tang dynasties from the perspective of the academic history of Buddhism. The book not only provides an in-depth yet accessible introduction to the complex genealogy and core principles of Buddhist sects but also elaborates on the entanglements between Buddhism and secular imperial power, the rules of monasteries and the precepts of monks, the actual state of popular Buddhist beliefs, the secularization and localization of Buddhism, as well as the impact of Buddhism on social life and culture. This enables readers to gain a comprehensive understanding of the basic conditions of both philosophical Buddhism and secular Buddhism during the Sui and Tang dynasties.