Chen Yingning and Buddhism
Author(s): Guo Wu
Pages: 79-87
Year: 2015 Issue: 5
Journal: Journal of Sichuan University(Social Science Edition)
Keyword: Chen Yingning; Modern Taoism; xianxue; theory of Celestial Beings; Buddhism;
Abstract: Abstract As an advocate of the xianxue (theory of Celestial Beings)in Republican China,Chen Yingning had a close relationship with Buddhism.In his early years he had read the Buddhist sutra extensively and had promoted the integration of Confucianism,Buddhism and Taoism.After 1936 he began to work for the independence of the xianxue.In the 1940s,Chen reconsidered his early theory about xianxue,and turned to Buddhism once again.Chen's reasons for advocating the independence of the xianxue and even urging its separation from Buddhism consist in his disappointment with traditional Taoism and his dissatisfaction with the criticism from Buddhism,as well as in the impact of the ?New Cultural Movement?upon Chinese traditional religions.As for his later reduced discussions on xianxue and reflection on his early opinion,three matters may suffice to explain the effect of the generosity and tolerance of Monk Taixu,the impact of the death of Chen's wife,and his complex feelings to traditional Taoism.
Pages: 79-87
Year: 2015 Issue: 5
Journal: Journal of Sichuan University(Social Science Edition)
Keyword: Chen Yingning; Modern Taoism; xianxue; theory of Celestial Beings; Buddhism;
Abstract: Abstract As an advocate of the xianxue (theory of Celestial Beings)in Republican China,Chen Yingning had a close relationship with Buddhism.In his early years he had read the Buddhist sutra extensively and had promoted the integration of Confucianism,Buddhism and Taoism.After 1936 he began to work for the independence of the xianxue.In the 1940s,Chen reconsidered his early theory about xianxue,and turned to Buddhism once again.Chen's reasons for advocating the independence of the xianxue and even urging its separation from Buddhism consist in his disappointment with traditional Taoism and his dissatisfaction with the criticism from Buddhism,as well as in the impact of the ?New Cultural Movement?upon Chinese traditional religions.As for his later reduced discussions on xianxue and reflection on his early opinion,three matters may suffice to explain the effect of the generosity and tolerance of Monk Taixu,the impact of the death of Chen's wife,and his complex feelings to traditional Taoism.
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