Morning bell, evening drum: monastic rules, festival customs, ritual implements, monk's robes

Author: Zhao Huizhu
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-08-01
Features: This book introduces the basic knowledge of Buddhist temple life from three aspects. First is the monastic rules and institutional system: Monastic rules provide a theoretical foundation for the institutional system, while the practical development of the institutional system further enriches and supplements the content of the monastic rules, making it increasingly suitable for China's national conditions and leading Buddhism to become more sinicized. The second is Buddhist festivals and customs: This section fully demonstrates the influence of Buddhism on Chinese society and its people, with some content like Laba porridge becoming traditional customs and habits of the Chinese people. The third is the ritual implements and attire of the Buddhist community: They are closely integrated with the lives of Chinese Buddhists and cannot be separated. Whether it is morning and evening recitations, bowing to the Buddha, meditation, rituals, or even daily routines, ritual implements and attire always accompany them. These three aspects of knowledge combined together can roughly outline the life of Chinese Buddhists in temples.