Vimalakirti Sutra In Ancient Rome

365 Words1 Page
bulb-icon

Recommended: Spreading Buddhism in China

Monumental inscribed sutras are unique feature of Northern Qi. During this period, Buddhism was state sponsored religion, therefore there is a very close relationship between caves of Xiangtangshan and ruling elite. In fact, these cave groups were commissioned by the court. As it can be read on the stele standing on the temple site, “...In the reign of Emperor Wenxuan of the Northern Qi...caves were excavated and Buddhist images carved”. Interestingly enough, the choice of Vimalakirti sutra, that was carved at the full length and occupied the entire space of the cave. This particular sutra was very popular and it reflected the belief that enlightenment can be achieved even by lay people. Therefore, not only monks, but ruling elite and the Emperor

Show More
Related

  • Relationship of Buddhism with the Tang Government

    1239 Words  | 3 Pages

    Since the introduction of Buddhism into China, it was not well received by the population as its foreign beliefs clashed with pre-existent principals of Confucianism and Taoism. On top of that, it was alienated by the Confucianism-based government in the late Han Dynasty. All in all, Buddhism was not a common nor a popular religion throughout China at first. Nevertheless, this all changed after the rise of the Tang Dynasty. There is no doubt that Buddhism and the Tang administration under Wu’s reign formed a critical symbiotic relationship with one another. Buddhism played a pivotal role in justifying Empress Wu’s rule. She enthroned herself as the monarch of China, an extraordinarily difficult achievement for a woman in a male-dominant society, by associating herself with Buddhism: proclaiming herself as the Maitreya and that she will bring an utopian era for the Chinese. (Smarr, 17 Feb. 2012) At the same time, Buddhism benefitted handsomely from government support, as monasteries are exempted from tax and that they are financially supported by the state, as seen in A Pilgrim’s Visit to the Five Terraces Mountains, which ultimately resulted in the substantial growth in attraction of Buddhist converts and Buddhism itself. Wu’s extensive support of the religion with ostentatious gifts and donations contributed to the rapid proliferation of Buddhism. Evidently, the mutually benefitting relationship between Buddhism and the state are crucial to each other’s survival during Wu’s sovereignty, but to what extent did her financial support (donations to monasteries) of Buddhism bettered the government overall?

    Read More

  • Empress Wu and Buddhism: A Symbiotic Relationship

    2294 Words  | 5 Pages

    Wu Zhao, the first female emperor of China, rose to power during the Tang Dynasty and her active role with Buddhism fabricated a perpetual impact in the Chinese society as a whole. There is no doubt that Buddhism and the Tang administration, under Wu’s reign, formed a symbiotic relationship with one another. She is considered to be one of the most prominent advocators of the religion during the era. Her efforts to spread of Buddhism and the monetary support help Buddhism to expand throughout the people significantly, which provide the religion another source of financial income to spread even further. Regardless of Empress Wu’s intention, she has furnished the religion in numerous ways, but what did she receive in return? This proposes the question: To what extent did Empress Wu’s support of Buddhism, politically and financially, help Wu and better her empire overall?

    Read More

  • Spread of Buddhism in China

    922 Words  | 2 Pages

    Buddhist popularity towards the Chinese grew following the collapse of the Han Dynasty in 220 C.E. It’s influence has continued to expand for several centuries. Between 220 C.E. and 220 C.E. and 570 C.E., China experienced a period of political instability and disunity. During this time, many of the Chinese, specifically scholars, sought for peace in Buddhism and approved of Buddhism. On the other hand, the strict confucianists and the government fought to end Buddhism and make people go against it.

    Read More

  • Analysis of the Painting Late Northern Song emperior Huzong

    859 Words  | 2 Pages

    Overall, putting the truth about Cranes above Kaifeng aside, this hand scroll containing a painting and a poetic inscription shows how Huizong with his control over art can dictate the meaning and message an art can convey. This will lead to a manifestation of certain belief to the people of Song dynasty, which in this case is a belief that it was a Mandate from Heaven.

    Read More

  • Story of the Stone

    1407 Words  | 3 Pages

    Cao Xueqin’s Story of the Stone is a classic in Chinese literature, showcasing the life and exploits of the wealthy Jia clan during the feudal era. Through Cao’s depiction, the reader is afforded a glimpse into the customs and lifestyle of the time. Chinese mode of thought is depicted as it occurs in daily life, with the coexisting beliefs of Confucianism and Taoism. While the positive aspects of both ideologies are presented, Cao ultimately depicts Taoism as the paramount, essential system of belief that guides the character Bao-yu to his eventual enlightenment. As was the case in China, Cao depicts the two forms of belief existing alongside one another, and not necessarily practiced exclusively to one another.

    Read More

  • Tai Chi Chuan

    808 Words  | 2 Pages

    Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) is a time-honored Chinese philosophy, one that required special selection by a Master to impart the traditions and be taught to a gifted student. The art of Tai chi has evolved throughout generations and Chinese history and has become a widely practiced exercise in the United States where membership is not as difficult to attain. Chang San Feng was a 13-century Taoist Monk who studied at the Shaolin Monastery in China. It was a Chan Buddhist temple since the 5th century and Mahayana tradition was its practice and philosophy teachings. The Taoist communities were protective environments located deep in the forests and mountains where they monks could devote their life to explore nature, the cosmos, and the inner realms of the human experience (Jahnke, 2002, p. 10). Change San Feng studied the art of Shaolin Kung Fu, Taoist mediation, Yin and Yang, and Mahayana traditions. He was also very intrigued and captivated by animals in nature. He was inspired by the way animals played and danced with objects. He integrated all the disciplines learned with his observations at the Saholin Monastery to create the philosophy and practice of Tai Chi Chuan (Dwyer, 1995, p. 3).

    Read More

  • The Book of Romans

    763 Words  | 2 Pages

    The Book of Romans Romans is a very important addition to the Bible. This is written by Paul to the Roman church. Much of Romans is showing the righteousness of God in different ways. “Romans road” passages are a great description of how to lead someone to christ (His saving righteousness).

    Read More

  • Hsun Ching’s Life Changing Journey

    643 Words  | 2 Pages

    The journey Hsun Ching would embark on began as nothing more than weight on his shoulders. Little did he know, it would be an expedition that would change his life forever. Not only changing his perspective on the world, but also life, his personality, and character. All the risks and sacrifices that Hsun Ching has to make during his journey are a very small price to pay for the positive benefits on his life. The journey not only revolutionizes his outlook on the world and life, but also on the Sutra and what it truly means to the world.

    Read More

  • Roman Medicine

    898 Words  | 2 Pages

    The Romans used both scientific and mythological methods in their medicine. By adopting the methods of Greek medicine; the Romans obtained a solid foundation. They copied Hippocrates, who separated the study of medicine from philosophy and had an overall approach to the health of humans. Hippocrates also observed the habits and environment of humans to accurately determine illnesses and discover treatments. The Romans adapted the Hippocratic method and combined it with mythical and religious views. The Romans used Greek methods, and also included prayers and offerings to the gods. Although all gods had healing powers, Aesculapius, the god of healing, was the most important.

    Read More

  • The Body Ritual of the Nacirema

    607 Words  | 2 Pages

    It is human nature to describe one's own culture as the most advanced and most intellectual. Unfortunately, it is also common practice to look down upon the practices of another culture because they are not similar to one's own traditions. The ability to do this can sometimes be a damaging characteristic for society as a whole. Horace Miner realized the implications of egocentric views and wrote a groundbreaking essay to open society's eyes to their biases.

    Read More

  • Primary Source Analysis: The Travels Of Marco Polo

    893 Words  | 2 Pages

    Xuanzang was a highly educated Buddhist monk from China, who in 629 C.E. made the long and treacherous journey along the Silk Road to India. His main objectives in his sixteen years away from home were fundamentally religious; he only wanted to study more complete scriptures to answer questions he had, which he deemed unsolvable in his own country. It is important to understand Xuanzang’s own position within the Chinese society and the type of situation it was in: Chinese Buddhists had many disagreements

    Read More

  • Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism in the Film Kung Fu Panda

    523 Words  | 2 Pages

    Next, since the village is located up high in the mountains, the palace and the Kung Fu warriors training space is surrounded by nature and its beauty. Nature is a major thought in Taoism. “Manifest plainness, embrace simplicity, reduce selfishness, have few desires” (Lau Tzu). The palace is in a secluded area and a plain design that is simple just as the teachings of Lau Tzu says to have in order to be a tru...

    Read More

  • Pietas in Ancient Roman Society and Literature

    637 Words  | 2 Pages

    Pietas was important in Roman society and most of the Romans lives revolved around it. Pietas means sense of duty, which includes, devotion to gods, ethics, morality, country and family. (Class Notes) Romans must show proper behavior towards gods, country and their families. Virgil shows pietas in the novel, The Aeneid. He expresses pietas through main character, Aeneas’, actions and behaviors. Through examples of pietas, a clear parallel can be drawn comparing the Romans, Augustus and Aeneas.

    Read More

  • Japanese Garden Architecture

    846 Words  | 2 Pages

    The garden of Kinkaku-Ji is laid out in a Zen-Buddhist style that reflects on Chinese influence. Ideas were borrowed from Taoism philosophy. Zen Buddhism emerged from ch...

    Read More

  • The Seated Buddha Symbolism

    1666 Words  | 4 Pages

    Chinese artwork is a form that contains and demonstrates many different meanings and morals that can be linked back to not only religion, but the overall meaning of life. This paper will discuss the sculpture titled Seated Buddha and how it represents peace, enlightenment, and the overall importance of how these two components influence the mindset of the people involved in the Buddhist religion. The Seated Buddha was created between the 5th and 6th century in China. The artist of this piece is unknown, but this does not hinder us at all from seeing what the artist was trying to portray through the different aspects that they included in the Seated Buddha sculpture. This piece is crafted from stone and a chisel was then used to create the

    Read More

More about Vimalakirti Sutra In Ancient Rome

Open Document