About the Pure Land, Buddhism and China Walk in Shanghai
It is generally believed that Buddhism arrived in China about 2000 years ago and, after establishing itself alongside the two other major schools of Chinese thought, Taoism and Confucianism, grew to become the official religion of the Yuan Dynasty by the 13th century. During this three-hour walking seminar with an expert in Buddhist iconography we'll explore the rise and spread of Buddhism throughout China over this two-millenia period.
We'll begin with a sit-down discussion over tea to cover the basic concepts of Buddhism, including samara, karma, and enlightenment, and to consider, briefly, the various branches of Buddhism before looking at its arrival and development in China. Together as we sip tea, we'll consider such as questions as what makes Chinese Buddhism unique compared, let's say, to Indian practice. Tea finished and a few basics under our belt, we'll cross the street to the Jing-An Temple, one of the most important Buddhist temples in Shanghai.
Part of our visit will look
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It is generally believed that Buddhism arrived in China about 2000 years ago and, after establishing itself alongside the two other major schools of Chinese thought, Taoism and Confucianism, grew to become the official religion of the Yuan Dynasty by the 13th century. During this three-hour walking seminar with an expert in Buddhist iconography we'll explore the rise and spread of Buddhism throughout China over this two-millenia period.
We'll begin with a sit-down discussion over tea to cover the basic concepts of Buddhism, including samara, karma, and enlightenment, and to consider, briefly, the various branches of Buddhism before looking at its arrival and development in China. Together as we sip tea, we'll consider such as questions as what makes Chinese Buddhism unique compared, let's say, to Indian practice. Tea finished and a few basics under our belt, we'll cross the street to the Jing-An Temple, one of the most important Buddhist temples in Shanghai.
Part of our visit will look at the architecture and aesthetics of Jing'An and how they illustrate some of the main principles of Chinese Buddhism. We'll pay particular attention to the iconography of the Buddha, and enlightened Bodhisattvas and Arhats, seeing several noteworthy statues and images of each type. Part of our task will be to learn the visual language to help us read the space while also considering the larger story of the historical Buddha's life and how it relates to Chinese Buddhism.
Next, we'll take a short taxi ride to our second major stop, the Jade Buddha Temple, located about 10 minutes away. Renowned for its great collection of statuary from different parts of Asia and the Buddhist world, our visit here will give us a chance to consider further how images of the Buddha and other iconography fit into Buddhist practice and belief. We'll enter all the major parts of the temple complex including the Heavenly Kings Hall, the Hall of 1000 Buddhas, and the Jade Buddha Chamber where the original icon brought from Burma in the 19th century rests.
At the end of our time together we'll emerge with a better understanding of Chinese Buddhism and how Buddhist practice evolved here.
