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Transformation of lay Buddhism in Modern Times and Its Sociological Significance: A Case Study on Lay Buddhism in Shanghai in the Republic of China (1912—1949)
TANG Zhong-Mao
2012, 44 (5):
114-123.
Lay Buddhism is the motivator and main force of the revitalization movement of Buddhism in modern China. Compared to traditional lay Buddhism, modern lay Buddhism has transformed in aspects such as its core members, organizational structure and social function. In respect of the core groups of modern lay Buddhism, massive people engaged in the newly developing industry and commerce and new intellectuals are interested and committed themselves in Buddhism study and belief practice. As lay Buddhists, scholars, thinkers and even revolutionists, they conduct Buddhism study and bring Buddhism to actual social life. In respect of organization form and social function, modern lay Buddhism has extricated itself from the traditional form of organization, which was dependent on temples and led by Buddhist monks. Lay Buddhists in modern times start to build their own form of organization independent of Buddhist monks, and conduct sermons and practices of proclaiming somebody as a Buddhist and Buddhist disciplines, study and preach, and wide-ranging social charity in various forms on their own. Therefore, in addition to theoretical studies of Buddhist doctrines and intellectual history, a sociological examination of the transformation of the organization form, core members and social function of lay Buddhism from the perspective, will help us not only inspect the complete picture of the development of modern lay Buddhism, but also understand thoroughly the social background in depth behind the transformation of modern lay Buddhism and the basic features of its rational proceeding. In this way, we can deepen our understanding of the interaction between “metaphysical theories” and “physical social conditions” in modern Buddhism.
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