Spread of Buddhism in China

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Buddhist popularity towards the Chinese grew following the collapse of the Han Dynasty in 220 C.E. It’s influence continued to expand for several centuries. Between 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.

Good things will happen if you accept and follow Buddhism. With that having said, many of the Chinese people tried Buddhism as a new religion when their government was weakening. Buddhism was the answer to their problems and the escape to inner freedom. According to Buddhist tradition, “The Four Noble Truths” are steps of achieving enlightenment. “The Four Noble Truths are the Noble Truth of Sorrow, Arising of Sorrow, Stopping of Sorrow, and the Way that Leads to the Stopping of Sorrow. ”(Doc 1: Buddha). “Whosoever in China… serves the Buddha and correctly… makes a vow to be reborn without ever abandoning his sincere intention… behold Buddha… enlightened in his spirit… he will enter Nirvana.”( Doc 2: Zhi Dun), a Chinese scholar on trying to convince Chinese aristocrats that Buddhism is a good religion and that Buddhism would make a bad life better.

Chinese scholars were positive towards Buddhism and pro-Buddha. In the document of “The Disposition of Error”, an anonymous Chinese scholar answers the challenges to Buddhism in China in an argument about converting to Buddhism between Confucianists and Buddhists. A confused strict Confucianist ask if Buddhism was so great why wasn’t it recorded? “If Buddhism is the greatest and most venerable of ways...

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China DBQ documents
DBQ Historical backgrounds
Doc 1-Source: According to Buddhist tradition, "The Four Noble Truths", the first sermon preached by Buddha (563 B.C.E.-483 B.C.E.), India, fifth century B.C.E
Doc 2-Source: Zhi Dun, Chinese scholar, author, and confidant of Chinese aristocrats and high officials during the period when northern China was invaded by central Asian steppe nomads, circa 350 C.E.
Doc 3-Source: Anonymous Chinese scholar, "The Disposition of Error," China, circa 500 C.E.
Doc 4-Source: Han Yu, leading Confucian scholar and official at the Tang imperial court, "Memorial on Buddhism," 819 C.E.
Doc 5-Source: Zong Mi, a leading Buddhist scholar, favored by the Tang imperial household, essay. "On the Nature of Man," early ninth century C.E.
Doc 6-Source: Tang Emperor Wu, Edict on Buddhism, 845 C.E.

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