Metamorphosis of Buddhism in China's New Era

Between State, Culture, and Religion

By: David L. Wank (Editor), Ji Zhe (Editor), Yoshiko Ashiwa (Editor)

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Hardcover | 7 August 2025

At a Glance

Hardcover
288 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
23.4 x 15.6 x 2.54

Hardcover

RRP $170.00

$141.40

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This study of contemporary, new era Chinese Buddhism explores the relationship between religion and the state in China. Readers are shown the transformation of Buddhism in the context of the PRC's growing economic and political power.

An introductory chapter frames the analysis of the metamorphosis of Buddhism, arguing that Buddhism in China has entered a new era since the mid-2000s, following its suppression during the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976). Rich case studies from extended fieldwork in and beyond the People's Republic of China (PRC) take readers to Buddhist temples, nunneries, mega-expos, and study centres, exploring multiple traditions, institutions, and regions. Chapters detail how local actors are changing the shape of Buddhist practice, including men and women, tourists, monks and bureaucrats, and agencies religious, governmental, and commercial.

The eleven global scholars bring perspectives from Buddhist and religious studies, anthropology, area studies and beyond. The Han Chinese Buddhists are the focus of this study, but the book also considers the intersections among the Mahayana, Theravada, and Vajrayana schools, as well as folk beliefs.

The study raises questions about Buddhist practice and public space, and illustrates the transnational and global contexts, making this a much-needed contribution to the field of contemporary Buddhism.

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