Buddhism and History and Culture

Author: Yang Zengwen, edited by Fang Guangqiang
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2001-01-01
Features: Since the establishment of the Institute of World Religions, we have clearly regarded Buddhism as a phenomenon of traditional Chinese social and culture. Buddhism has been introduced to China for a long history, with a wide scope and rich content. The Buddhist Research Office is one of the national research institutions in Chinese history. We have incorporated Buddhist studies into the mainstream of Chinese traditional culture, not viewing it as foreign culture, while also keeping an eye on the world and aligning with global trends. Based on our conditions (talent, resources, academic heritage), we have taken the history of Buddhism as a starting point to accumulate materials, train talent, and systematically explore new fields. From general Buddhist history, we expanded to the study of specific historical periods; from Buddhist theory to Buddhist sects and Buddhist art; from Han Buddhist traditions to Tibetan Buddhism. We have also pioneered the field of Buddhist textual studies. In addition to the various editions of the Buddhist Canon from the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, we have compiled the "Chinese Buddhist Canon" with the mark of the New China. China differs from the indigenous Buddhism of India and has developed its own system in East Asia, with close exchanges with neighboring countries. Historically, Chinese Buddhist culture has played a bridging role in international cultural exchanges between China and the world. Since the reform and opening-up, the Buddhist Research Office has taken on the task of international academic exchanges, building bridges of friendship with Buddhist scholars worldwide and achieving mutually beneficial results, establishing fixed exchange mechanisms. After the establishment of the Buddhist Research Office of the Institute of World Religions, research institutions were subsequently established in places outside Beijing, such as Sichuan, Nanjing, and Shanghai, and systematic Buddhist courses were offered in universities. It is heartening to see the flourishing growth of a new generation of young scholars nationwide, who are playing a key role in Buddhist studies. The purpose of our Buddhist Research Office is to accumulate materials and train talent. We speak based on evidence and advocate practicality, avoiding empty talk. The research method of our Buddhist Research Office is to use history to explain religion, rather than using religion to explain history. For over thirty years, we have walked this path, and we will continue to do so in the future. This collection of essays is based on the first publication of papers organized by the Buddhist Research Office of the Institute of World Religions and the Buddhist Research Center of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. As one of the earliest members of the Buddhist Research Office, I wish to share with everyone the spirit of cultivating top-tier talent and striving for top-tier research results, making due contributions to the construction of new culture.