The Study Of Buddhism Spreading System

Buddhism first appeared in the ancient India in the6th century B.C. Within2500years expanding, Buddhism began to effect other parts of the world as aninternational religion. Since The eastern han dynasty(25-220A.D.) whenBuddhism was brought to China, it took shape with Chinese localization,absorbing and interacting with Chinese indigenous cultures, includingConfucianism and Taoism. Now, Chinese Buddhism, as a Chinese localizedreligion, has been proven to be a part of the Chinese culture influencing everyChinese. Besides its own attraction that makes Buddhism well-known to thewhole world, there surely is a highly effective spreading system made it so.As a subordinate of human society information dissemination, thedissemination of Buddhism also bear the attribute of systematisms. Thiscontinuous operation of systematism makes the world-wide reputation ofBuddhism possible. Conducted from the point view of the science ofcommunication, this research goes deeply into the construct andcharacteristics of Buddhism spreading system (BSS) in Chinese contexts andattempts to provide a more comprehensive, scientific, and fuller understandingon the expansion of Buddhism.The introduction part mainly introduces the research background, itssignificance, and literature review. It also explicates the reasons to useChinese Buddhism, among many splits of Buddhism, as the research target.The first chapter describes the construction of BSS. First, this chaptergives a theoretical definition of BSS, and outlines its general characteristics asa system. Reviewing with later chapters, it is easily observed that thosegeneral characteristics are of great importance to the spread of Buddhism.Second, this chapter analyzes the initial formation, development andperfection of BSS in chronological order. So that a whole picture of the BSScan be shown.The second chapter is an overall analysis of the “static structure” of BSS. Since BSS is a mechanism effected by many factors, this chapter attempts todisassemble BSS into four elements, according to Lasswell’s5wcommunication model, which includes Who (communicators), Says What(communication content), in Which Channel (media),to Whom(audiences) andso on. With the in-depth knowledge of each component we can grasp thewhole structure of BSS comprehensively.The third chapter focus on the study of dynamic feature of BSS. Drawingupon her intensive study of Buddhism spreading phenomenon, the author triesto categorize different ways used for Buddhism expansion. On the whole，thereare three patterns in BSS, i.e., Buddhist sermons, as the most direct way,culture influence and Buddhist charity events. Then this chapter turns to thediscussion that coexisting with the other sociocultural beings, such as differentcultures, religions, social organizations and authorities, BSS carries its ownunique expansion features.The fourth chapter presents the characteristics that BSS shows in thecontemporary landscape with numerous emerging new media. The aim of thischapter is to discuss the new identity and form of BSS as an adjustment to thenew era when the secularization of religion becomes the main wave. This willbe followed by a summary of new characteristics that BSS obtained after theappearance of Internet. Finally, this chapter try to find out the difficulties andchallenges that BSS encounters in the new media context.