Han Yongun, a Buddhist nationalist who actively supported and planned the March First movement, reflects on the changes which Buddhism must take to modernize and survive in the changing times. In an essay he addresses, “Today’s civilization, however, progresses at a rapid pace. A moment’s hesitation may quickly result in a wide gap. How can we afford not to step up our efforts?” in reference to the outdated traditions and teachings which Buddhists texts offer. Han’s understanding of the rapidly changing times addresses the concerns which many religions faced at the time. The rapid rate of modernization made many of the previous traditions and practices outdated, and Han’s essay proclaimed that if measures were not taken to adjust traditions accordingly, the practices of Buddhism will soon become obsolete. These changes in Buddhism mirrored those in Christianity and Ch’ondogyo. The importance of education and individuality became heightened in face of the oppressive Japanese rule. Through pushing for a more educated and modernized following, these religions evoked a sense of pride in their fellows Koreans, proclaiming for them to reassert their beliefs in what is rightfully theirs. It is through reforms, the publication of magazines, and widespread messages of their beliefs that religion helped to perform a key role in establishing a new definition of Korean self-image. As exemplified in the case of religion, the emergence of new literary genres and increased circulation of vernacular literature contributed greatly to the development process and growth of Korean identity. Prior to the March First Incident of 1919, Korea had been under a tight policy of censorship, with extremely limited access to literary resources. However, as Japanese official Saito Makoto announced a new cultural policy to quell the anger of Korean citizens after the March First Independence movement, obtaining publication and organizational rights became much more readily available in comparison. As a result, many nationalist groups and Korean organizations took advantage of this policy and organized various intellectual, political, and religious societies which allowed for Korea’s cultural development to flourish. One of the new
Instability between religious groups was also a common issue and yet another effect of the spread of Buddhism in China, and led to the consistent repression or defense of one’s religion (Doc’s 2, 3). Though Buddhism left a large effect and influence on multiple characteristics of society, it’s most noticeable in social and political classes
The response to the spread of Buddhism in China differed according to one’s social position.
Around 845 CE, Tang Emperor Wu states that the spread of the religion wore “out people’s strength” and “pilfers their wealth” (Document 6). The stealing of their wealth is an act of opposing the public policygoing against the rules that were made by the government, while the wearing out strength represented his impression of Buddhism. Emperor Wu did not approve Buddhism because he believed that the religion was corrupting his citizens since they were abandoning the those above them. As a result, he stated that the “evil” should be eradicated (Document 6). In 819 CE, Han Yun, a Confucian scholar at the Tang imperial court, called Buddhism a “cult of barbarian peoples.” He goes on to address that considering how Buddhism “did not exist in [China] in ancient times,” their clothes were different and their lives were lived out differently (Document 4). In his view as a governmental official, Han Yun felt that Buddhism had become such an integral part of their lives that they were tearing apart the foundation of their
In document 5, Zong Mi, Buddhist scholar, talks about the similarities of the 3 traditions of Confucius, Laozi, and Buddha. He stresses the importance of all philosophies as being that of creating an orderly society with respect. It is interesting that a Buddhist scholar is favored by the Tang imperial household in the early ninth century since after 845 CE Buddhism was denounced in the empire. However, Buddhist scholars were very common at this time as many credited the survival of the area to the religion. The scholar, being favored by the royalty, probably tried to greatly influence them to accept and encourage Buddhism. Moreover, Zong Mi finds the commonalities of doing good deeds, punishing the wrong, and rewarding the right to further highlight that the essence of all the teachings is the same. As shown in document one Buddhism provides a clear path to attaining peace in the world and within
Cultures around the world are divide by their distinctive characteristic of people, and how people interact within their society. Most cultures are driven by the way their environment has been set for them. Many of cultures have to adapt to the way their environment are due to the conditions that are set for them and the amount of resources that they are provided. The biggest drive for culture are the historical custom. Most countries continue to carry their ancestor custom so that the tradition may stay with them throughout their years, in which making other countries distinctive from one another. One of the particular country that will be discuss in this report is North Korea. In this report, I will be discussing the North Korean culture, with describing their living condition in the country, common issues that they face with on a daily bases, and common threat that they pose on other countries.
Individual needs, diversity and personality have recently gained greater laxity. Therefore Confucian teaching is, in practice, being modified for modern life. Confucianism, therefore, is gaining a renewed sense of importance because of these modifications. This paper seeks to investigate how modern Korea has reacted to Confucianism. To accomplish this we will discuss the traditional impact of Confucianism on Korean culture and analyze how this traditional philosophy measures up within modern Korean culture to try and come to grips with how Korea’s understanding of Confucianism has evolved. Rather than completely losing its significance, Confucianism is possibly beginning a new stage in its long life. The core of Confucianism seems unassailable in
In this paper it will discuss the influence of the Buddha and how Buddhism came to America and the impact it had upon its arrival. How the American culture westernized Buddhism in their own way and how it looks today. It will also cover the difference of ethnic Buddhism and convert Buddhism in America. More specifically the objective of this paper is to explain descriptively and analytically and go over the historical time line of
Buddhism was a powerful force in politics and in everyday life. It was a tool of the ruling class to appease the people in times of hardship - such as the political disunity in between dynasties. However, when the times changed, Buddhism was also blamed for much of the trouble, and for edging out the much more strict doctrine of Confucianism. Most of the documents presented indicated a spread nonetheless of Buddhism among the people. Additional documents needed to further evaluate the response to Buddhism should be from a source of a slightly lower class, such as a merchant, or a view from a convert to Buddhism - since most views seem to be from Confucian
In the sixth century B.C.E., the religion of Buddhism was founded in India. Seven centuries later, the religion would find itself arriving in China in the midst of the Han Dynasty. In China, there were many different views of the religion as it arrived and spread throughout the country. There were two main responses to the religion. One response was that Buddhism could stand alongside other Chinese religions and philosophies such as Confucianism, as it could do a lot of good for China; while another view was that Buddhism had no place in China, as it came from foreign people and was barbaric, stealing from the Chinese.
A slow yet, gradual increase of individuals in the West are coming to terms about the positive efforts of socially engaged Buddhism. Actualizing that modern Buddhism in Asia has transformed into this meditative vehicle for spiritual liberation which includes liberation movements for social and political changes. Engaged Buddhism is a form of dedication through movements committed to addressing social, political, economic and environmental concerns including the spiritual needs of beings. In efforts to solve problems of extreme magnitudes, specifically during times of social crisis. keeping Buddhist philosophy's at the forefront of these movements, they manage to propagate widespread awareness of current asian issues.
Understanding how North Korea as a country defines itself in a changing world. Where do they derive their customs and practices, political standings and military power? Define North Korea’s history leading into the modern age and define its culture and characteristics and how they interact with the world today. Understanding a subject as broad as the term culture begins where the culture began with the birth of civilization and the people that influenced it. There are many factors that play a role in the shaping of a nation none so much as turmoil and conflict and the Korean peninsula saw its fair share for the better part of a millennia. A complete statistical breakdown of North Korea shows a struggling nation that strongly depends on
Next Scott examines how this embracement of a modernist prosperity-gospel model of Buddhism becomes problematized within the socio-historical context of the Asian economic crisis of the late 1990s. After this, she expands the analysis looking at “the broader field of debate over the commercialization of Buddhism” and its commodification “as a product” as well as “the effects of consumerism on contemporary Thai society” (17). This is contextualized through an overview of the discourses of various “principle voices within this discussion” (17) such as Bhikkhu Buddhadasa, “a well known promoter of dhammic socialism. These diverse voices help to contextualize and complicate the discourse surrounding both the modernist prosperity Buddhism of Dhammakaya Buddhism through a post-modern commentary. It is this post-modern commentary that is the focus of the concluding chapter, in which she frames the commentary as a “rallying cry for religious reform” (17).
Buddhism in the twenty-first century is still applicable in such a fast paced and confusing world. Despite all of our advanced science and technology, we understand even less our reason for existing and we know more than ever just how big the universe is and how uncaring. These circumstances drive people to seek out spirituality even today in order to achieve the basic comfort required for them to conduct their daily lives. The recent episodes of tremendous violence have placed an unsavory patina of stifling ignorance over the religions of Christianity and Islam as they continue to carry on like demented spinsters in the decaying finery of their former glory with no intention of acknowledging the catastrophe of their current circumstances. Buddhism, with its sterling values of moderation, peace, and detachment from the impermanent things of this world, now appears dignified and splendid as the ancient beauty of Asia to modern seekers. No longer do we seek judgment and rigid, inexplicable rules from our God, with the hellfire and damnation that once drove us onward. We crave logic and sense from our world and in those circumstances, this faith tells us that lusting after expensive cars and clothes which we do not need will make us miserable. That is easy to understand. That makes
The effect of Buddhism in China was one of the most profound changes China ever had, as it affected their economy. This time, economy brought about religion; Buddhism came into China through international trade. As South Asian countries came into China, they spread their religion which at that time was majorly Buddhism. To gain favor from the foreign traders, the emperors showed frivolities towards them. “Tang emperors spent huge sums of money on Buddhism” (Dubois, 2011, p. 34). They constructed Buddhist monasteries, excluded monks from taxes and lavished them with other benefits. In one sentence, the emperors at that time, sought to seek the face of Buddhist he monks at the expense of the economy. On a lighter note however, the spread of Buddhism increased the economy of China as it created revenue in trade. “Up till the twentieth century, Tang dynasty was the most cosmopolitan period of China’s history. Politically, emperors had conflicts of interest and so alternatively chose Buddhism or Daoism in succession” (Dubois, p. 34).
South Korea is one of the most homogeneous countries in the world, in which it has its own culture, language, and customs that are different from other Asian countries. In South Korea, the citizens greatly value hard work, filial piety, and humility in their daily lives. South Koreans are very proud people in which they pride themselves in their traditional culture and their financial success.