Buddhism in China Buddhism in China has been characterized by complex interactions with China's indigenous religious traditions,
Taoism and
Confucianism, and varied between periods of institutional support and repression from governments and dynasties. Buddhism was first introduced to China during the
Han dynasty, at a time when the Han empire expanded its nascent corresponding geopolitical influence into the reaches of Central Asia. In the 8th century, the
Chan school began to emerge, eventually becoming the most influential Buddhist school in East Asia and spreading throughout the region.
Buddhism in Japan The early roots of Buddhism in Japan come from Chinese and Korean influence in the 5th and 6th centuries. Ma notes that the initial rise of Buddhism in Japan can be attributed to the
Soga clan (during the
Asuka period), which legitimized the religion through construction of temples. Buddhism only continued to grow in Japan during the
Nara period, as the religion was supported under imperial patronage. This included the creation of a new temple system, and the building of schools and temples. Shortly after, new sects such as
Shingon and
Tendai emerged as they developed independently during the
Heian Period. In the
Kamakura period, more sects of Buddhism emerged, which includes
Zen (Rinzai and Soto),
Pure Land (Jodo shu and Jodo Shinshu), and
Nichiren. Japanese Buddhism recovered post-World War II and maintained its influence in the 20th century. Soka Gakkai and Rissho Koseikai are examples of Buddhist organizations that have been involved in education and culture. The religion remains prominent in today's society, consisting mainly of
Pure Land,
Nichiren,
Shingon,
Zen, and
Tendai Buddhism.
Buddhism in Korea Buddhism was introduced to Korea from China during the 4th century, where it began to be practiced alongside indigenous shamanism. Following strong state support in the
Goryeo era, Buddhism was suppressed during the
Joseon period in favor of
Neo-Confucianism. Suppression was finally ended due to Buddhist participation in repelling the
Japanese invasion of Korea in the 16th century, leading to a slow period of recovery that lasted into the 20th century. The
Seon school, derived from Chinese
Chan Buddhism, was introduced in the 7th century and grew to become the most widespread form of modern Korean Buddhism, with the
Jogye Order and
Taego Order as its two main branches. - Mahayana Buddhism Temple in
Ninh Binh,
Vietnam Buddhism in Vietnam Bordering southern China,
Buddhism may have first come to
Vietnam as early as the 3rd or 2nd century BCE from the
Indian subcontinent or from
China in the 1st or 2nd century CE. From the 2nd to the 4th century,
Luy Lâu (now
Bắc Ninh province,
northern Vietnam) - capital of
Jiaozhou (then part of the
Han,
Eastern Wu and
Jin dynasties), according to Chinese historical records, was the leading Buddhist center in Southeast Asia, where Indian monks often stopped by sea to translate Buddhist scriptures from
Sanskrit to
Classical Chinese, before gradually moving up to
Guangzhou area. Vietnamese Buddhism was influenced by certain elements of
Taoism,
Chinese spirituality, and
Vietnamese folk religion. Buddhism was the state religion of
Dai Viet during the
Đinh dynasty (968–981),
Lý dynasty (1009–1225) and
Trần dynasty (1225–1400).
Trúc Lâm thiền school was founded by Trần Nhân Tông - 3rd Emperor of Trần dynasty in late 12th century. == Traditional schools of East Asian Buddhism ==