Description
Discover the transformative influence of Buddhism on Chinese material culture in this insightful book. From its introduction in the first century, Buddhism not only reshaped Chinese philosophy and beliefs but also left an indelible mark on everyday objects and cultural practices. This compelling study delves into a range of significant artifacts, including relics, prayer beads, and monastic clothing, illustrating how Buddhism redefined their meanings and uses. Through its innovative analysis, the book reveals unexpected connections between Buddhism and common items like bridges, tea, and furniture. It explores how these objects were embraced by both philosophers and devotees, shedding light on the dialectic between spiritual beliefs and material existence. The discussions within this book offer valuable insights into the ambivalent relationship between Buddhism and material culture in China, persisting to modern times. Ideal for those interested in religious studies, Chinese history, and the interplay between faith and the material world, this book is a must-have for collectors and scholars alike. Your journey into the depths of Buddhist impact on Chinese society begins here. Free shipping is available for this item, and delivery may take up to 6 weeks. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled. The book is brand new, published in 2003 by Princeton University Press, and comes in trade paperback format (ISBN: 9780691096766).
Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled.
Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9780691096766
Format: Trade paperback (US)
Year: 2003
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Description:
From the first century, when Buddhism entered China, the foreign religion shaped Chinese philosophy, beliefs, and ritual. At the same time, Buddhism had a profound effect on the material world of the Chinese. This wide-ranging study shows that Buddhism brought with it a vast array of objects big and small--relics treasured as parts of the body of the Buddha, prayer beads, and monastic clothing--as well as new ideas about what objects could do and how they should be treated. Kieschnick argues that even some everyday objects not ordinarily associated with Buddhism--bridges, tea, and the chair--on closer inspection turn out to have been intimately tied to Buddhist ideas and practices. Long after Buddhism ceased to be a major force in India, it continued to influence the development of material culture in China, as it does to the present day. At first glance, this seems surprising. Many Buddhist scriptures and thinkers rejected the material world or even denied its existence with great enthusiasm and sophistication. Others, however, from Buddhist philosophers to ordinary devotees, embraced objects as a means of expressing religious sentiments and doctrines.
What was a sad sign of compromise and decline for some was seen as strength and versatility by others. Yielding rich insights through its innovative analysis of particular types of objects, this briskly written book is the first to systematically examine the ambivalent relationship, in the Chinese context, between Buddhism and material culture.
Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled.
Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9780691096766
Format: Trade paperback (US)
Year: 2003
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Description:
From the first century, when Buddhism entered China, the foreign religion shaped Chinese philosophy, beliefs, and ritual. At the same time, Buddhism had a profound effect on the material world of the Chinese. This wide-ranging study shows that Buddhism brought with it a vast array of objects big and small--relics treasured as parts of the body of the Buddha, prayer beads, and monastic clothing--as well as new ideas about what objects could do and how they should be treated. Kieschnick argues that even some everyday objects not ordinarily associated with Buddhism--bridges, tea, and the chair--on closer inspection turn out to have been intimately tied to Buddhist ideas and practices. Long after Buddhism ceased to be a major force in India, it continued to influence the development of material culture in China, as it does to the present day. At first glance, this seems surprising. Many Buddhist scriptures and thinkers rejected the material world or even denied its existence with great enthusiasm and sophistication. Others, however, from Buddhist philosophers to ordinary devotees, embraced objects as a means of expressing religious sentiments and doctrines.
What was a sad sign of compromise and decline for some was seen as strength and versatility by others. Yielding rich insights through its innovative analysis of particular types of objects, this briskly written book is the first to systematically examine the ambivalent relationship, in the Chinese context, between Buddhism and material culture.