As early as in the Han dynasty, Buddhism, originated from ancient India, had been introduced to China. During it s development in China, Buddhism had to constantly adapt itself to the actual conditions in China so as to become one of the most important religions in China and to deeply influence upon thoughts and living habits of the majority of Chinese.
The Sui and Tan dynasties are the important periods for the localization of Buddhism in China. In this period, with the unity of country, the development of the economy and the more and more frequent exchange of culture, the study of Buddhism reached an unprecedented height. In the Tang Dynasty, the state put forward the policy that Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism would coexist. In the process of amalgamation of Buddhism and Chinese traditional culture, Buddhism had absorbed the thought of Confuciansim and Taoism and therefore some Chinese schools emerged, amongst which Zen is considered to be full of vitality. The speculative philosophy of Buddhism made up the shortage of directness and simplicity of the traditional ideology and enriched Chinese culture.
Chinese Buddhism has a substantial pantheon based on several tiers of divine beings. At the highest level are Buddhas, who have achieved perfection and dwell in Nirvana. The chief Buddha is Sakyamuni, who is usually depicted sitting in meditation or sometimes in a recumbent position signifying his entrance into Nirvana. He is often shown as the central figure in several trinities. One is the trinity of the three ages: the Buddha of the Present is Sakyamuni; the Buddha of the Past is Kasyapa; and the Buddha of the Future is Maitreya. Another trinity often found in Chan sect temples is formed by Sakyamuni, Amitabha(Emitofo) and Bhaisajyaguru. A third trinty has Sakyamuni flanked by Vairochana representing the law or doctrine and Lochana representing the priesthood.
On the second level are the bodhisattvas, beings who have achieved perfection but who remain in this world to relieve suffering and lead others to salvation. Maitreya, the Bodhisattva of the Future, is a particularly popular figure in this world. Known to the West as the Laughing Buddha, he is usually depicted smiling broadly and with his ample chest and belly exposed. Another extremely popular bodhisattva is Avalokitesvara, known to the Chinese as Guanyin, who is usually depicted in its female incarnation and known as the Goddess of Mercy. Three other bodhisattvas commonly found are Manjusri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom, who rides a lion; Samantabhadra, the Bodhisattva of Uniersal Kindness, who rides a white elephant; and Ksitigarbha, the Bodhisattva of the Earth .
The third level are the arhats, who have been commanded to stay in this world and preach the doctrines of the Buddha. They are usually shown in a group of ten or of 18 in addition to the three levels, there are also also various tutelary gods, guardian spirits and the patriarchs of different Buddhist sects.
Courtesies in Buddhist Temples
The common way of greeting in Buddhist temples is to put your two palms together with fingers aligned, in front of your chest, and slightly lower your head for a few seconds. Normally you do not shake hands with monks, or have any other physical contact. If you talk to monks, please remember that there are certain taboo subjects, such as marriage or eating meat. When there is a religious ceremony going on in the temple, you may stand there quietly and watch but remember that loud talking or laughing are considered blasphemy against the gods.
How to address Monks in Buddhist Temples
You may address ordinary monks respectfully as “Shifu”(master) and please do not directly call them “monks”. Chief monks, you may call “Zhanglao”(elder), “Zhuchi”(abbot) or “Fangzhang” (abbot). And to senior monks of great attainments, you may call them “Fashi” (master of the law). To the monks in a lamasery, you may call them “Lama” which means “senior master”.
---------------------------------------------------------------Author: AmoyTrip.com--Chinese Buddhism Culture
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