The Study On The Female Secular Buddhist In The Northern Wei Dynasty

Buddhism prevails during the Northern Wei Dynasty.The Female Secular Buddhist of the Northern Wei Dynasty was popular and unique.Taking the title of the Female Secular Buddhist as the starting point to explore the activities they took,the reasons why they converted to the Buddhism,and the influence of Buddhism on them could help us understand the social style of the Northern Wei Dynasty,the spread of Buddhism and the living environment of women easily.The titles of the Female Secular Buddhist are various in the existing inscriptions.There are roughly three types: buddhist title,secular title and combined form of the first two.“Upasika ”——this commandment title specially belongs to the women who strictly followed the precepts,“Buddhist Disciples” could be used by every Buddhist.Position Buddhist appellation like “Weina” “Xianghuo” and etiquette buddhist title “Fayi brothers and sisters” “Yimu” rarely appeared in the buddhist inscriptions after the construction.The Secular title in the inscriptions which centered on male relatives is similar to the general title.In reality,appellation also derived some new forms which enriched the title of the Female Secular Buddhist.The Female Secular Buddhist of the Northern Wei Dynasty actively engaged in building Buddha statues and temples,dedicating to the Buddhist scriptures,following the commandment and holding the ceremony.Building Buddha statues and temples,dedicating to the Buddhist scriptures and holding the ceremony demand them to spend a lot during a short period of time.While,following the commandment need them change behaviors and habits year in and year out.Except the women from the upper level of society,most Female Secular Buddhist were from ordinary class.Most of them prayed for the dead and difficulties in life,which makes them turn to believe in the Buddhism.The emperor's support,monks and nuns' propaganda,believers' spread and the influence of the family provided possibility for their belief.Believing in Buddhism means a lot to the Female Secular Buddhist.The participation in Buddhist activities expanded the space of them and the using of Buddhist titles and the erection of statues established a new social and family image.Conversion to Buddhism provided them with the opportunities to show their true feelings,at the same time the participation of Buddhist activities and the reinterpretation of Buddhist doctrine to the suffering of life provided spiritual comfort for them.Meanwhile,the Buddhism brought about negative impacts.A clear gender vulnerability struck their self-confidence and caused more troubles.The necessary property added an additional financial burden to the daily life of them.