Hangzhou Lingyin Temple Under The Context Of The Sinicization Of Buddism---an Analysis Focused On The Period Of Ming And Qing Dynasties

This research examines the Sinicization of Buddhism. After a period of time since Buddhism was introduced to China, a good combination of Buddhism and Chinese culture finally formed. Buddhism and Chinese culture are deeply influenced by each other and the process is nowadays regarded as a model of culture fusion. However, how does Buddhism influence Chinese culture? And how does Chinese culture influence Buddhism? By researching Lingyin Temple in Ming and Qing dynasties, this paper is going to discuss the interaction between the two cultures. The paper is divided into five parts.Chapter One discusses the historical evolution of Lingyin Temple in Hangzhou. From a review of its history, the author draws some conclusions about how an ordinary temple can become famous in China.Chapter Two discusses the architecture of Lingyin Temple by points of its location, palace hall, and layout and so on.Chapter Three focuses on the monks in Lingyin Temple and their daily life, especially the religious activities, through which we are going to know more about Buddhist culture.Chapter Four focuses on the relationship between Lingyin Temple and politics. During Ming and Qing dynasties, Lingyin Temple, as a famous monastery in the southeast of China, had some connections with the emperors as well as the magistrates. This part will help understand the Chinese scheme of Church and State, and explain how Buddhism adapted itself to the politics in China.Chapter Five discusses the impact of Lingyin Temple on the local society of Hangzhou. For this part, the author has done an investigation into the role Lingyin Temple plays in the religious life of different groups of people. Moreover, the social functions of Lingyin Temple are also analyzed.Through an omni-directional and multi-level discussion on Lingyin Temple, this paper shows the inner connections between Buddhism and Chinese culture, for the purpose of having a better understanding of the Chinese tradition of religious belief and finding some beneficial suggestions on the construction of belief in China.