The article considers the problem of interaction of Buddhism with the Confucian tradition in Tang China (618–907). The purpose of the article is to demonstrate how the theme of Buddhist temples is represented in the literary heritage of Han Yu, a thinker and a typical Confucian official of Tang, famous for his criticism of Buddhism. The Tang period, known in history as the «golden age» of Chinese Buddhism and at the same time as the beginning of its decline, paved the way for the Confucian-Buddhist synthesis in the philosophy of Neo-Confucianism of Sung (960–1279). So, the Tang period is important in the history of the penetration of Buddhism into Chinese society, which requires a more detailed study. The article analyzes the works of Han Yu, some of which are well known in Russian sinology, others are introduced in scientific turnover for the first time. It is demonstrated that in addition to works containing criticism of Buddhism, first of all, its religious activities and religious organization, there are the works of Han Yu describing the Buddhist temples and the circumstances of visiting them. Such works indicate that Han Yu has a spiritual need beyond the Confucian tradition: criticizing Buddhism as an official, he accepts it as a private person. Using the example of Han Yu, it is concluded that such sentiments were typical for Tang officials in general, and visiting Buddhist temples was a common practice in their daily lives.
Keywords: Tang China, Buddhism, Confucianism, Buddhist temples, service class (bureaucracy), Han Yu
DOI: 10.22250/20728662_2022_3_46
About the author
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Tatyana G. Mazur – PhD (Philosophy), Senior Researcher at the Department of Philosophy, Cultural Studies and Religious Studies, |