Abhidharma School Brief Introduction -- Buddhist Schools Series

Author: Shi Ruyi
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-09-01
Features: Buddhism was introduced to China during the Han Dynasty. Through the transmission and inheritance during the Wei, Jin, Southern and Northern Dynasties, it evolved by the Sui and Tang dynasties, long interacting and blending with Chinese culture, giving rise to numerous Buddhist schools with Chinese characteristics. They are like a variety of flowers competing in beauty, making the Buddhist garden colorful and vibrant. The "" () refers to a group of practitioners who share the same views. Different sects each have their own practice systems established based on their fundamental beliefs. The "" (school) refers to further branches that develop from the sects. After Buddhism entered China, its influence grew increasingly significant. However, it never formed a complete system. For thousands of years, the propagation of Buddhism has always followed the principle of being in harmony with reason and timing. Today, China has entered a great process of comprehensively building a moderately prosperous society, promoting both rule of law and rule of virtue, ushering in a peaceful era with exceptional opportunities. As Zhao Pulu (Zhao Puchu) poetically said, "A rare opportunity in a thousand years meets a prosperous age, may Buddhist affairs aid cultural governance." We hope that Buddhist scholars can better promote the Party's policy of religious freedom and the positive ideas and spirit in Buddhist teachings that are beneficial to national unity, social progress, people's happiness, and national unity to religious followers. This will guide them to actively participate in safeguarding the interests of the people, national unity, and national unity, making positive contributions to the development of the western region and the comprehensive construction of a moderately prosperous society.