The Influence Of Buddhism On Chinese Culture

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Early Buddhist studied in stupas similar to those in India. But as Buddhism became more Chinese the stupa would evolve into the iconic Chinese pagoda. Pagodas and temples for Buddhism was met with new Taoist temples in adding to Chinese cities and allowed the wealthy and working class people a place to intermix. As mountains were special and holy to the Chinese it was natural that temples and monasteries would expand to these secluded places. These hill complexes would experiment with water power and make some of the world 's first water wheels. There move to the secluded fringes was part of a push away from urban culture. Many wealthy members of society wanted to break away from the capital and its future. The highest ranking would have houses …show more content…
It truly moved China from its antiquity into the high middle ages. Many parts of China’s identity started to develop here. The cultural rise of Buddhism forever changed the region. China went from being an empire based on the yellow river into one that was had broad cultural identity from the mouth of the pearl in Guangzhou to the reaches of Manchuria at Beijing. The major split in Chinese culture turn from one of east and west to one of north and south. Women started to be a major cornerstone of the Chinese family and could wield huge influence over their children. The centralized dominance that the capital welded was gone and Confucianism would not regain its sole place in the hearts of the Chinese citizens. Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism all have varying levels of influence over both kings and peasants. Lastly China would come out of this time of disunity unity aware of other countries and powers. China developed a cultural sphere of influence in Korea, Japan, and Vietnam. It learned how to meddle in the affairs of other nations without the use of force. They also saw strong kingdoms in India that the could see as equals. China came out stronger and more unified after the northern and southern dynasties and

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