Empty Realm -- Buddhism and Chinese Culture (Tradition and Humanities)

Author: Zhang Liwen (Editor-in-Chief), Xiang Shiling (Deputy Editor-in-Chief)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-07-01
Features: Buddhist thought is vast and profound. Since its introduction to China in the late Western Han Dynasty, it has gradually been sinicized through continuous interaction, dependence, conflict, and integration with traditional Chinese thought and indigenous religions, evolving into a new theoretical and philosophical form—Chinese Buddhism. It has become one of the three major pillars shaping the development of Chinese cultural and academic history. Many of its profound and subtle concepts have been integrated into the invaluable spiritual heritage of the Chinese nation. This book takes a broad perspective of traditional Chinese culture, drawing on historical materials from the classics (Jing, Shi, Zi, and Jing) and Buddhist scriptures. With the mutual permeation and integration of Buddhism and traditional Chinese scholarship as its core, it conducts a comprehensive, multi-faceted, and multi-level exploration of Buddhism. The content includes Buddhism and life, Taoism, Confucianism, metaphysics, logic, ethics, sociology, economics, ecology, literature, art, folklore, and modernization. It not only analyzes and reveals the essence, philosophical approach, humanistic spirit, modern value, and fundamental characteristics of Buddhism within traditional Chinese culture from a metaphysical perspective but also outlines and elaborates on the interactive and integrated relationships between Buddhism and traditional Chinese culture from a material and secular dimension. Additionally, it explores the significant influence of Buddhism on the secular lives and value orientations of the Chinese people.