Buddhism Dbq Essay

The spread of Buddhism in East Asia had great success when the region became a center of learning for monks and scholars. Merchants in Central Asia came to the region for trade, and as they learned about Buddhism, they accepted this cultural adaptation. When the Chinese had their first contact with Buddhism through people from central Asia, who were already Buddhist, this religion expanded itself through the Chinese empire. As an interest was established for Buddhism in China, monastic orders were established causing political disputes between the emperor and Buddhists for the centuries to come. During the Han Dynasty, Buddhism enjoyed a great state support; however, after the collapse of the Han Dynasty to the Tang Dynasty influences

People would follow Confucian ideologies/teachings because they thought this ideology would be better for Chinese society, since Buddhism was not mentioned in Confucian texts. As Confucius’ followers would challenge Buddhist ideologies, people believed Confucianism was better because its main focus was how people in China should rule themselves. People would angrily challenge Buddhism because for them the rightful lifestyle were the teachings of Confucius, as these promoted traditional Chinese values. (Document 4) Leaders of Confucianist ideologies in the Tang imperial court in the year 819 CE would challenge Buddhist ideals. The imperial court would present Buddhists as “Barbarians” and how Confucianist ideals was the only way society could work. By calling Buddhist followers Barbarians in an angry tone, it challenges the ideas taught by Buddha, Confucianism protects their culture (Document 5). The emperor of China, Emperor Wu in the year 845 CE would address the people of China showing how the Mandate of Heaven would incorporate Confucian ideas showing these were better for China. Angrily he challenges Buddhism and he orders the people of China to follow the ideologies of the emperor. In China, Buddha was never spoken of before the Han dynasty so because of this no one should follow Buddhist ideals, because it will continue to ruin the Chinese country (Document 7). Buddhism during the Tang Dynasty was seen as a threat to the traditional lifestyle of the Chinese society, and thus receive constant attacks from the emperor and its