Contemporary Chinese Buddhist Traditions

The chapter presents an overview of contemporary Chinese Buddhism, broadly conceived, along with a survey of the major historical developments and defining responses to modernity articulated in the course of the turbulent twentieth century. After situating the growth and adaptation of Buddhism within the broad sweep of Chinese history, it highlights the ways in which the Buddhist community tried to revive and to reform its tradition during the Republican era. The central part of the chapter describes the institutional revival and renewed interest in Buddhism during the post-Mao era, along with a discussion of the mechanisms of governmental control over Buddhism. Also covered are the remarkable Buddhist resurgence that over the last several decades has been taking place in Taiwan, the scope of female participation in the development of contemporary Buddhism, and the ongoing globalization of Buddhist organizations and practices.