Void Realm — Buddhist Studies and Chinese Culture

Author: Zhang Liwen, Editor-in-Chief
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-08-17
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, fusion, and development with traditional Chinese thought and indigenous religions. It evolved into a new theoretical and cognitive form—Chinese Buddhism—and became one of the three major pillars shaping the history of Chinese culture and academic development. Many of its profound and subtle connotations have been integrated into the invaluable spiritual wealth and heritage of the Chinese nation. This book takes a broad perspective of traditional Chinese culture, drawing on historical materials from the Five Classics and historical records, as well as Buddhist scriptures, to explore the mutual permeation and fusion between Buddhism and traditional Chinese scholarship. It offers a comprehensive, multi-angle, and multi-level discussion of Buddhism, covering topics such as Buddhism and life, Taoism, Confucianism, metaphysics, logic, ethics, sociology, economics, ecology, literature, art, folklore, and modernization. It not only analyzes and reveals the essence, cognitive pathways, 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 all aspects of traditional Chinese culture from a material and secular dimension. Additionally, it explores the profound influence of Buddhism on the secular lives and value orientations of Chinese people.