Buddhism and State in Ancient China

Far from merely being recluses and ascetics, solely concerned with reaching enlightenment, the relationship between Buddhism and politics in ancient China reveals that Buddhists have had a significant role in and influence on state politics in Chinese history [1].

Culture and Politics

When Buddhism was introduced in China and began to expand, it occasioned the transformation, to some extent, of Chinese culture, including transformations in language, dance, food, literary styles, and rhetoric, to name a few (Yu: 96). Buddhism, however, tended to create friction on the traditional view of familial piety advocated by Confucianism. For the Buddhist tradition, religion, and not one’s biologically kin, was the primary adhesive holding communities together (Yu: 97). While Confucianism emphatically pushed for the highest degree of commitment and devotion to one’s biological family, Buddhism de-emphasized this focus and drew Chinese people into a life devoted to ritual practice and celibacy. Having been bred on Confucian tenets, Chinese rulers saw this move as a threat to the very foundation of Chinese culture and government (Yu: 98). In this way, Buddhism indirectly had an influence -- a momentous one, to be sure -- on Chinese politics. 

Contending in the Political Arena

Of course, Buddhists would argue that their religion promoted the good, even if “the good” was understood differently according to their tradition. In fact, contending for their beliefs became another avenue through which Buddhists had significant influence in political affairs. On various occasions, Emperors held court debates, inviting representatives from Daoist, Confucian, and Buddhist traditions to argue for the value and truth of their respective positions. However, contending for their beliefs and practices took Buddhists beyond these special court debates. Buddhists were often preoccupied with the defense of their tradition, entering into the political arena in order to obtain exemption from taxation, exemption from military conscription, land donations for religious sites, and even appeals for exemption from Emperor veneration (Yu: 106, 111).

Imperial Leaders and Buddhism

Various Chinese Emperors assigned Buddhist clergy bureaucratic positions, using them to perform religious ceremonies for imperial officials, as well as using them to incur the protection and prosperity of the state by means of reciting Buddhist religious literature (Yu: 112). In fact, a few Chinese Emperors, and at least one prince (Ying), became heavily involved in Buddhist practice and belief (Yu: 113-115). As such, Buddhist ideals and doctrines were, at times, implemented in imperial policy.

Persecution

Although Buddhism had an undeniable influence in Chinese politics, it also suffered extreme persecution at times. One reason for this has already been discussed; the subversive nature of Buddhism against the ingrained Confucian commitment to familial piety was unsettling to many Chinese leaders. While being a contentious accusation, some leaders also saw Buddhism as a threat to the very livelihood of the state. Buddhist devotees would often leave home, leave their trades, live ascetically, and, consequently, fail to fulfill the role expected of them, thus putting society in jeopardy. Another major reason that Buddhism was often seen with animosity had to do with its being a “foreign” religion. Buddhism originated in India. Not having indigenous origins put Buddhism at odds with the nationalistic sentiments of particular Chinese figures and groups. As a result of these things, major outbreaks of persecution occurred on three occasions, with some outbreaks lasting for many years and having devastating effects on Buddhist practice within China (Yu: 117-126). 

In conclusion, historically, Buddhism has not lived up to the image of merely being a religion for recluses and ascetics who are only concerning with reaching enlightenment. For various reasons and with various outcomes, Buddhism has had a significant influence on and role in ancient Chinese politics.

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Footnotes:

[1] All citations are references to Yu, Anthony. State and Religion in China: Historical and Textual Perspectives. Peru: Open Court, 2005. Print.