Literature review
This literature review explains the significance of Tibetan Buddhism and its influence on the modern Chinese society. For hundreds of years, Tibetan Buddhism has been shaping the structure and foundation of Chinese Buddhism.
Once introduced, Tibetan Buddhism has also affected Chinese society and has continued to be an important part of Chinese faith. Three themes will be explored in this literature review to examine this complex relationship.
The themes are as follows:
- Tibetan nationalism and identity and religion
Tibetan Buddhism is unique. It has reached many cultures around the world but it has had a significant impact on China. This section will shed light upon Tibetan Buddhism as a religion and will examine how and why it is a successful branch of Buddhism especially within Chinese communities.
- Tibetan Buddhism’s influence on China
Before the 20th Century, Chinese Buddhists were sent to Tibet to study Tibetan Buddhism. This is a major reason why Tibetan Buddhism is still strong in China. This section will examine the influence Tibetan Buddhism has had on China.
- The influence of the Chinese on Tibetan Buddhism
This section looks at the effects of Chinese influence on Tibetan Buddhism. This section will examine the influence of Chinese practitioners on Tibetan Buddhism through their own practice or through finance. This section will also be looking at the pressures of the Chinese Communist Party’s influence on Tibetan Buddhism.
Read the full literature review (PDF).
