Buddhism in China

Introduction:

The History of Buddhism in China
Along the Silk Road (http://www.chinapage.com/silkmap).htmla traveler could meet traders carrying their goods, soldiers protecting different sections of the Silk Road, and Buddhist monks on a pilgrimage to India, home of Buddha and the Buddhist religion. Many Buddhist pilgrims from China journeyed to India to learn more about Buddhism, which had originated in India. Buddhism greatly influenced the Chinese culture and value system.

Historical Development
Buddhism was first introduced to China about 65 CE. by two Indian monks who had been invited by Emperor Ming of the Han Dynasty to establish a monastery in China. In the beginning Buddhism did not have much influence in China due to the prevailing traditional Chinese philosophy of Confucius.

With the downfall of the Han Dynasty in 220 CE and the troubled chaotic period that followed, Buddhism was able to spread to different regions of China. China was divided into two regions. The northern region of China was governed by non-Chinese rulers who did not practice traditional Confucian beliefs and encouraged Buddhist practices. The southern region of China was governed by Chinese rulers who were dissatisfied with traditional Confucian beliefs and began to take an interest in Buddhist thought. Quickly, Buddhism was accepted by the common people as well as government official and rulers. By the late 4th century, 90 percent of the people in the northwest region of China (closest to central Asia and the Silk Road) were Buddhists. From China, Buddhism spread to Japan and Korea. It also influenced many other countries and cultures.

Buddhist Pilgrims
As Buddhism spread in China, many devout Buddhists decided to make pilgrimages to India. They crossed many thousands of miles of desert and mountains to learn from the original texts of Buddha and to seek learning and enlightenment with other Buddhist followers. The long pilgrimages began as early as the mid-3rd century CE.