Metamorphosis of Buddhism in China’s New Era
Between State, Culture, and Religion
David L Wank editor Ji Zhe editor Yoshiko Ashiwa editor
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Publishing:7th Aug '25
£85.00
This title is due to be published on 7th August, and will be despatched as soon as possible.
A study of 'new era' Chinese Buddhism that explores the relationship between religion and the state in China.
The metamorphosis of Buddhism synchronizing with alterations in political ideology, rapid
economic growth, and evolving societal demands in China’s new era is the focus of this
book. It traces the metamorphosis to 2002 when the Communist Party of China declared
upholding traditional Chinese culture, including Buddhism, to be essential to its leadership.
The chapters offer rich case studies of updated “authentic” Buddhist teachings by clerics
and other innovations in temples and nunneries, new lay communities and their practices,
and the emergence of Buddhist cultural sites ranging from scenic areas to mega-expos.
The comprehensive view of Buddhism in China illustrates how Buddhism is going beyond
state-imposed boundaries of religious space. With a primary focus on Mahayana Buddhism
practiced among Han Chinese, it also considers interactions with Theravada and Tibetan
Buddhism, as well as Confucianism, Daoism, and folk beliefs. The eleven contributing
scholars—experts in anthropology, history, philosophy, religious studies, and sociology—
draw on extensive fieldwork to provide transdisciplinary analyses of the metamorphosis,
raising key questions about the dynamics of religious space
This is an exceptional study of Buddhism’s evolution in China as the twenty-first century unfolds. Filled with rich case studies from accomplished experts in the field, it shows how the religion continues to adapt in creative and unexpected ways to both the evolution of state policies and continuing social change. * Gareth Fisher, Syracuse University, USA *
The in-depth and multi-year research conducted by this multi-disciplinary team of scholars presents the challenges faced by the largest population of Buddhists in the world as the Communist Party of China seeks to instrumentalize their belief system as a form of traditional culture. It articulates a thought-provoking and original understanding of the changing relationship between state and religion under Xi Jinping. * André Laliberté, University of Ottawa, Canada *
Yoshiko Ashiwa, David Wank, and Ji Zhe are among the most thoughtful observers and analysts of Buddhism and the politics of religion in contemporary China. The essays in this volume demonstrate what happens when the Chinese state emphasizes Buddhism less as a religion and more as a cultural form. Metamorphosis of Buddhism in China’s New Era helps us think more precisely about how Buddhist institutions and practice have responded to government policy since 2002 and is an invaluable new framing. * Thomas Borchert, University of Vermont, USA *
ISBN: 9781350504561
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
288 pages