The Story of Buddhism

Author: Wuxian
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-02-01
Features: Those who have enjoyed the fruit of wisdom are bound to explore the source and wonder what kind of tree bloomed this flower, bore this fruit. Therefore, although the Buddha says, "All conditioned phenomena are like dreams, illusions, bubbles, and shadows," one still wishes to roughly depict the grandeur of this ancient tree, draw its veins, and adorn its branches and leaves, so that all living beings may understand the model of the lamp that illuminates us with wisdom.
The teachings of the Buddha arrived in China, separated by just one mountain range, five hundred years after his arrival to enlighten the world. Here, it took root, branched out, bloomed, and bore fruit, then scattered its seeds into the surrounding soil. Xuanzang's perilous journey westward and Jianzhen's six crossings eastward reflect the enduring virtues of the Chinese nation—patience, pursuit of truth, and resilience.
Over two thousand years of coexistence in China, Buddhism has experienced rises and falls, birth and decay, and has gradually merged and harmonized with the original Taoist and Confucian philosophies of Laozi, Zhuangzi, Confucius, and Mencius. Those who have enjoyed the fruit of wisdom are bound to explore the source and wonder what kind of tree bloomed this flower, bore this fruit. Therefore, although the Buddha says, "All conditioned phenomena are like dreams, illusions, bubbles, and shadows," one still wishes to roughly depict the grandeur of this ancient tree, draw its veins, and adorn its branches and leaves, so that all living beings may understand the model of the lamp that illuminates us with wisdom.