Chinese Reactions to and Adaptations of Buddhist Monasticism

This chapter surveys the main reactions to the introduction of monastic ideals, practices, and institutions into China, which shaped the early reception and subsequent developmental trajectory of Chinese Buddhism. It also explains how Buddhist monasticism was assimilated and transformed via complex historical processes that involved resolving tensions and negotiating perceived incompatibilities between the monastic ethos and indigenous Chinese values, worldviews, and institutions. Within that broad context, the chapter focuses on some of the main issues that impacted the growth and transformation of Buddhism in China, framed in terms of several interrelated critiques of Buddhism that were articulated by prominent members of the sociopolitical elite. These include the supposed incompatibility between monastic lifestyles and ideals, including the practices of renunciation and celibacy, and the prime Chinese virtue of filial piety ( xiao 孝 ), and the problem of integrating the monastic order into China&s;s political system of authoritarian governance.