scholarly journals The Bodily Discourse in Modern Chinese Buddhism—Asceticism and Its Presentation in Buddhist Periodicals

Religions ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 400
Author(s):  
Lianghao Lu
Keyword(s):  
Chinese Buddhism ◽  
Republican China ◽  
Buddhist Tradition ◽  
Modern Chinese ◽  
Religion And Modernity ◽  
Self Immolation ◽  
Modern Form

This article focuses on accounts of bodily asceticism published in Buddhist periodicals in Republican China (1912–1949) in order to explore the mentality and motivation of publicly presenting this seemingly fanatic and backward tradition in an era marked by modernization. By zeroing in on practices of self-immolation, bodily mutilation, and blood writing, as presented in periodicals advocating either reform or preservation of Buddhist tradition, the article reveals that Buddhists with different visions for the modern form of Chinese Buddhism, despite their multifaceted responses, reached a consensus: ascetic practices were part of the tradition worthy of preservation and a strong testament of Buddhist morality. Arguments and eulogies about specific cases, preserved in these periodicals, made Buddhist asceticism an integral part of Chinese Buddhism’s modern transformation, which contributes to the rethinking of religion and modernity discourse.

Summaries of Doctoral Dissertations

2009 ◽  
Vol 102 (4) ◽  
pp. 497-503
Keyword(s):  
Intellectual History ◽  
East Asian ◽  
Republican China ◽  
Buddhist Tradition ◽  
Chinese Intellectual ◽  
Doctoral Dissertations

This dissertation explores the rise of Buddhist scholasticism in Republican China (1911–1949) through the career of one of its most outspoken leaders, Ouyang Jingwu (1871–1943). Ouyang Jingwu, a lay Buddhist intellectual, charismatic teacher and polemical writer, is most recognized for his critique of the East Asian Buddhist tradition, and this critique stands at the heart of the dissertation. In addition to presenting this critique, this dissertation explores one of the most innovative hermeneutical alternatives offered by this influential and creative thinker. To date, scholars have overlooked the importance of Ouyang for later intellectual developments. I argue here that understanding Ouyang's critique is crucial for later developments in Chinese intellectual history both within and outside of Buddhism.

What is Behind Yinshun’s Re-statement of the Nature of the M?lamadhyamakak?rik?? Debates on the Creation of a New Mah?y?na in Twentieth-century China

2013 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefania Travagnin
Keyword(s):  
Twentieth Century ◽  
Chinese Buddhism ◽  
Textual Scholarship ◽  
Textual Study ◽  
Modern Chinese ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Creation ◽  
Chinese Buddhists ◽  
Contemporary Chinese

Yinshun (1906–2005) is regarded as one of the most eminent monks in twentieth-century Chinese Buddhism. Previous research has argued that Yinshun especially undertook the mission of writing new commentaries on Madhyamaka texts. His efforts provoked a revival of interest towards the Madhyamaka school among contemporary Chinese Buddhists, and a re-assessment of the position of the writings of N?g?rjuna within the history of Chinese Buddhism. This article focuses on Yinshun’s restatement of the nature of the M?lamadhyamakak?rik?, a text that has always been regarded as fundamental in the Madhyamaka/San-lun tradition in China. The first part analyzes Yinshun’s textual study of the M?lamadhyamakak?rik?, examining his approach to the text, and how he came to terms with previous Chinese traditional textual scholarship and canonical scriptures. The second part discusses Yinshun’s interpretation of the text by moving away from the micro-context of Chinese San-lun scholarship, and addressing the macro-context of the modern Chinese understanding of the Mah?y?na.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document