Pu Xian and Chinese Culture

Author: Wei Daoru
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-11-01
Features: From March 20 to 24, 2006, the academic conference "Puxian and Chinese Culture" was grandly held in Tengchong County, sponsored by the Institute of Buddhist Studies of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and the People's Government of Baoshan City, and organized by the Bureau of Ethnic and Religious Affairs and the People's Government of Tengchong County. The book presented to the readers consists of twenty-five thematic papers delivered by experts and scholars at the conference and carefully revised after the meeting. The conference revolved around the theme "Puxian and Chinese Culture," covering eight aspects: the Lotus Sutra and belief, the origin, development, and characteristics of Puxian belief in China and India, Puxian's practices and Mahayana Buddhist cultivation, Puxian's practices and (Pure Land belief), the Lotus Sutra and Puxian belief, Puxian Bodhisattva and Esoteric Buddhism, the practical character and modern value of Puxian, and textual and phonetic studies.
The twenty-five thematic papers, written by experts and scholars, not only hold the valuable theoretical significance of filling academic gaps but also carry the important practical meaning of developing historical resources to serve the construction of a harmonious society. All the papers are closely tied to the conference's theme, focusing on topics such as the Lotus Sutra and Puxian belief, the origin, development, and characteristics of Puxian belief in China and India, Puxian's practices and Mahayana Buddhist cultivation, Puxian's practices and (Pure Land belief), the Lotus Sutra and Puxian belief, Puxian Bodhisattva and Esoteric Buddhism, the practical character and modern value of Puxian, and textual and phonetic studies of Puxian.
Through the conference, a comprehensive and in-depth review and discussion were conducted on the historical evolution, scriptures, theoretical systems, practical implementation, and modern value of Puxian Bodhisattva, who has had a profound influence on Chinese culture but has been poorly studied academically. Some historical issues were clarified, many academic difficulties were resolved, and new topics and higher requirements were proposed for future research.