China: The Patron of Global Buddhism?

[WisdomBeing]

Can China really be the Patron of Global Buddhism? This statement seems to be a contradiction in terms. The current Chinese regime is well known for its anti-religious stance. Especially with its clamp down on the Falun gong movement and of course the perennial Tibetan problem. Is China really changing?

American journalist and author Elizabeth Pond highlights these issues here and is skeptical of China’s motivation. How can there be a World Buddhist Conference without one of the international icons of Buddhism – HH the Dalai Lama? What do you think China is planning in its championing Buddhism?

I certainly hope that by China promoting the Panchen Lama, Dorje Shugden will naturally move into mainstream Buddhism in China.. especially if China promotes Tashi Lhunpo and other DS monasteries with their huge statues of Dorje Shugden. Isn’t that possibility exciting?


http://www.worldpolicy.org/blog/2012/04/19/china-patron-global-buddhism
China: The Patron of Global Buddhism?
April 19, 2012 - 12:05pm | admin

By Elizabeth Pond

China is making its strongest bid yet to establish a reputation as the patron of global Buddhism. It will follow up its third World Buddhist Forum in Hong Kong (April 25-28) by sponsoring an international peace conference in the Gautama Buddha's Lumbini birthplace in Nepal (April 28-30).

Beijing faces a formidable hurdle, however, in explaining to international Buddhists why more than 30 young Tibetan monks and nuns have set themselves on fire in the past year to protest Chinese rule.

Back in the old days, it was easier for Chinese Communists to deal with the opiate of the people. Founding father Mao Zedong could simply outlaw religion during and after the Cultural Revolution and jail or kill adherents at will.

In the post-Mao era of globalization, things are more complicated. The party had no qualms about repressing the new Falun Gong movement in the 1990s and banning it altogether in 1999. Today's China wants to exercise soft as well as hard power, though, and it sees an opportunity in the estimated 350 million Buddhists worldwide. Half or more of this number live in China and provide a critical mass to attract others.

Domestically, the Beijing government has become tolerant and even appreciative of Buddhist temples' social charity and the current boom in Chinese religious tourism. It rehabilitated Buddhism in 2006, dropping its earlier suspicion of the religion as an ideological rival and for the first time describing it as a peaceful "ancient Chinese religion." Buddhism quickly came to enjoy pride of place among the five religions that are formally registered and allowed to preach, on the condition that the recognized Buddhist, Taoist, Catholic, Protestant, and Muslim elders respectively accept government influence in naming their top officials.

In 2006 the first World Buddhist Forum—and indeed China's first international religious conference of any kind since Communist rule was established in 1949—opened in the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou.  The second followed three years later in Wuxi and, in outreach beyond the People's Republic, in Taiwan. This year's third Forum will stress the familiar themes of peace and harmony, mount the first public showing of what have been identified as relics of the Gautama Buddha's skull excavated in eastern China two years ago—and once again showcase the controversial Chinese-appointed Panchen Lama, the holder of the second-highest rank in Tibetan Buddhism.

The highest-rank 14th Dalai Lama, revered by Mahayana Buddhists and global admirers as a religious leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, was not invited to any of the three Forums. Nor is he invited to join the peace conference in the UNESCO and World Heritage town of Lumbini, 500 miles southeast of his exile headquarters in Dharamsala, India. He fled the Dalai Lama's Potala Palace as a young man in 1959, a decade after military conquest by the People's Liberation Army ended four decades of Tibetan independence. The Chinese have never allowed him to visit Tibet or China since then, despite his express wish to do so, and despite his insistence that what he seeks for his countrymen is real autonomy rather than independence from China.

The other notable absentee from the Lumbini conference will be the United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki Moon. The organizers had originally listed him as a co-chairman of one session along with Prachanda. This most famous leader of the Nepalese Maoist guerrillas who helped dethrone the Nepali king in the mid-2000s is China's partner in hosting the conference and also in the $3 billion Chinese-funded project to develop Lumbini for mass tourism. Nepali Buddhists and representatives of the 20,000 Tibetan Buddhists living in exile in Nepal appealed to Ban not to endorse the Lumbini meeting by his presence, and Ban's press office now says that he does not plan to travel to Nepal this April. Various Buddhist spokesmen in Nepal are also objecting to what they fear will be the Chinese commercialization of Lumbini—so far to no avail.

Participants in the Lumbini conference will have no opportunity for a side trip 500 miles to the northeast across the Annapurna range to visit the majestic Potala Palace in Tibet. The Chinese would prefer not to give monks and nuns in Lhasa any occasion for further protests, and they would prefer not to let foreign Buddhists see the increased presence of Han Chinese living in Tibet, the strong deployment of security forces, or the continued resistance to them by what is now the third Tibetan generation after the Chinese re-conquest of Tibet.

Chinese authorities similarly discourage Tibetan pilgrimages to Buddhist holy sites in India and punish any attempts by those who do get travel permits to make contact with the Dalai Lama or his followers. In January, several hundred Tibetans who visited India and heard the Dalai Lama speak there were arrested when they returned home. Moreover, the Chinese have recently sealed their south Himalayan borders much more effectively than in the past, in large part by compelling tiny Nepal in 2011 to drop its earlier ambiguous stance and impose harsher control measures on Tibetan residents and refugees. Fewer than a thousand Tibetan escapees a year now manage to slip over the borders with India and Nepal.

Those potential Tibetan pilgrims too will be missing at the Buddhist conference in Lumbini.

[dondrup]

Although China has allowed and relaxed the rules on religious practices over the last few decades, the Chinese government continues to control how religion is practised in China.  We can observe how China manipulated religion for its political or economic aims!  An example is requiring the major religions’ elders to accept government influence in naming their top officials as seen in the Chinese-appointed Panchen Lama.  Another example is the increased restrictions of travels by pilgrims and entry at Chinese borders with India and Nepal.

China may appear to be a local or global patron of Buddhism through its involvement in World Buddhist Conferences and the development of Lumbini.  However the support is merely for political or economic reasons. Hence many are not really in favour of its patronages.

[shugdenprotect]

Many nations, companies and individuals have supported super powers for political and economical reasons for generations. Prior to the rapid rise of China, America was the world super power. Did many of us not make friends and compromised on our social policies for political and economical security and, in some cases, gains? There is no right or wrong in the scenario. This is what happens and has been happening for decades…for centuries. I used to questions and get most upset with this phenomenon. However, with the teachings of my Guru I slowly learn to develop a new outlook that this is the way of samsara and we need to take a step at a time to change it. Change occurs in our view and not so much the situation itself.

So much has visibly changed within the world that we know. From the most basic human needs of food, clothing and shelter: We have progressed (although in reality, many view that we are regressing) from consuming the fruits of nature in the quantities and seasons that are bestowed accordingly by the earth to consuming processed and manufactured products that “out-smarted” the ecosystem. We dressed in natural fibers granted by the lands to wearing synthetics. We used to call the earth our home but, today, we limit the space of our home to the four walls of several hundred square-meters in mid air (for cases of apartment blocks above first floor).

Which scenario is bad or good? There is no strict answer to this. We are just going through the natural occurrence of impermanence as taught by Lord Buddha and all our precious Dharma masters. This is not to say “give up and surrender to the extermination of pure Dharma practice”. Instead, it is to focus our energy from fighting the inevitable event of China’s growing influence to optimizing from external conditions to achieve the ultimate and pure goal of developing Boddhicitta in as many people as possible whereby all sentient beings will be benefited.

Therefore, is China a suitable patron for Buddhism? Will the economical and political agendas get in the way? Which religious set up has not been plagued by this “curse”? From the Vatican to Makkah, I would say very few, if not none. Additionally, has Buddhism been so very purely and well practiced by the masses prior this consideration? I am sure we believe the answer is, in general, “not really” at the very least. Thus, I believe that in considering if China can or should be the patron of Buddhism, we should look at various current states and available options.

[Big Uncle]

The leaders of China are not stupid. They know the benefits of promoting Buddhism especially in today's climate of materialism. As more and more people in China prosper, they will need spirituality that will balance the prevalent air of materialism so people live a balanced life. When there's more happier and richer citizens, the bigwigs have an easier job with a bigger pay check. 

Therefore, it is actually not surprising that China is slowly embracing religion which is contrary towards the ideology of the Chinese. Heck! Even materialism is antithetic towards the Chinese ideology. However, the good thing is that the Chinese are willing to experiment so I think they are dabbling in religion now. They are looking at Buddhism because it is closer to home, makes more sense and have a pacifying influence on the people.

[Positive Change]

What has been shared in the article and on various postings here it is really a no brainer!

The simple fact is, throughout history, we as a society has looked up towards an ideal or at least parts of one to incorporate into our own existing ideals. In that there is always "someone" at the top or in the forefront that we choose to emulate or keep up with.

In this day an age, it is the risen dragon, China that is leading the pack. Not only through business and trade but also through it's rich cultural heritage which can be seen in almost every country on this planet. The culture which is so strong in its identity it almost has a life of its own in a host country. Almost no compromise in its existence...

Something to be proud of for Chinese and certainly something to be admired if not emulated as a society. So, will China be the patron of Global Buddhism, I think very much so... it is after all a very ingrained part of Chinese culture and is just a natural reemergence for China. Long buried after the cultural revolution!

[harrynephew]

Putting all politics, borders, geography aside, I'd like to bring everyone's attention to the spiritual side of things. Strange but true, if you study the scriptures properly, besides the birth, enlightenment, death and turning of the wheel of Law of the Buddha, the other Bodhisattvas' sacred sites are found in mainland China!

Lord Manjushri resides in Five Peaked Mountain, Wutaishan in Shanxi, Lord Ksitigarbha resides in Jiuhua Mountain, Lord Samantabhadra resides in Er-mei Mountain and the Lord of Compassion resides in Putuo Mountain down south. Of course there's always disputes of the real Potala being in Lhasa but nonetheless Lhasa is part of China now.

My point is that these Bodhisattvas are known to have manifested in these sacred abodes which are geographically situated within China itself. Wouldn't this be a clear sign of how China can be a receptacle of the Buddha's teachings to be preserved there and from this land of the Dragon spread further into other parts of the globe?

There have been so much said about the political powers of China and its potential, since the Mahayana teachings of Buddhism is deep rooted in China it gives so much more reasons for China to be a patron of Buddhism, not chosen by the Buddhas to do so but by some karmic affinity.

[Galen]

China is definitely moving towards that direction of becoming a patron for Global Buddhism. No doubt that they banned all religion during the Cultural Revolution and also some sects which are a threat to the national security of their country. but, it has since relaxed and I think this is because they see the importance of religion in the lives of the people and religion does affect the mind set of people. With the decades of suppressing the people of religious practice, their nation has become a nation who chase for external wealth and has become some what materialistic and with no feeling. They are now trying to change that mindset.

With people practicing religion underground before this, they can now freely practice. This is seen as a freedom given by the government to the people. And people like it.

However, China is bringing Buddhism into the country again in a cultural way simply because it part of their culture all this while. All the sacred monasteries are all in China. What better way to promote that! And the Dalai Lama being their threat to national security, why not get the nation to go against him.

Like it or not, China is pumping in a lot of money to rebuild monasteries which they destroyed previously in all provinces, including those in Tibet. So, religion is flourishing in China.

[Barzin]

China rules almost everything for decades.  Their strong culture has not weaken and it is no surprise that even the Chinese would like to claim Buddhism as their very religion.  They have their own version of twitter, facebook, and youtube; so what now?  Their own version of Buddhism?  Just what they needed most I think.  With such strong karma affinity with Buddhism over the thousands of years, it will not only benefit the people who are materialized and power gaining spirit.  Dorje Shugden practice will be the most suitable vessel for their spiritual practice.    It is true that many relate Buddhism to the Chinese such as Chenrizeg or Kuan Yin, so why not Dorje Shugden?  Even if the Chinese claim Buddhism as their own, it will make dharma grow and from there it will sprout to other parts of the world.

It is true what harry nephew said, the most holy and precious site can be found in China.  With Panchen Lama as an introduction into the Chinese world, it marks a whole new era of Buddhism in China.   It is great to see that they brought spiritualism to the new generation of people.

Lord Manjushri resides in Five Peaked Mountain, Wutaishan in Shanxi, Lord Ksitigarbha resides in Jiuhua Mountain, Lord Samantabhadra resides in Er-mei Mountain and the Lord of Compassion resides in Putuo Mountain down south. Of course there's always disputes of the real Potala being in Lhasa but nonetheless Lhasa is part of China now.

[Rihanna]

China the patron of Global Buddhism?? What will it look like when the Dalai Lama will not be invited?? China is promoting the Buddhism in their own way by saying they promote religious freedom but on the other hand they have done many harm to Tibetans and their religious freedom, abducted the reincarnation of Panchen Lama authenticated by Dalai Lama and install their own Panchen Lama. So I get the feeling that China is trying to make them as the centre of all Buddhist practitioners. But at the same time I believe it is also great in the sense that Dorje Shugden's practice is flourishing through this way. Many more will be exposed to Dorje Shugden and I can see in the long run benefits many. In this way, I am happy that Dorje Shugden's practice can be spreaded to many more people when they come to China.

[Ensapa]

I believe that China is actually doing a better job than the CTA. Unlike CTA, they did not appoint puppet abbots who ruin the monastery rather than helping them just because they want someone that is on their political side. The days where China appoints government sanctioned abbots is long gone now as they realize the moral decay of their society as a result of such actions.

Now, let us talk about the abducted Panchen Lama. While Trijang Rinpoche is getting death threats and prevented from completed his geshe studies due to his devotion in Dorje Shugden, the Chinese appointed one is now a fully qualified Lama at 25-26 years old. What if the abducted version is still a strong DS practitioner in this life, is there a place for him in Ganden, Sera and Drepung even if he goes back to the side of the CTA?

I dont see an abduction. I merely see that the CTA created the cause for the Panchen Lama to not return by their side and help secure the next Dalai Lama. Perhaps HHDL wants the Panchen Lama to stay in China as he can benefit more people there, thus he created the karmic force for him to return to CTA? Or perhaps, CTA is a sinking ship that HHDL intends to sacrifice so that more Tibetans can be truly happy?

With that said, China is allowing the building of various Buddhist monuments and even created a large and ornate Buddhist hall and even holding Buddhist conferences. They are also conducting the restoration of the various TIbetan monasteries that they destroyed out of misguided views. What is CTA doing NOW at this present moment for the Dharma? In that aspect, China is better than the CTA by a mile.

[hope rainbow]

China is a super-power, a worldly super-power. How can we expect China to administrate and lead Asia if the leaders meditate in caves and don't get their hands "dirty"? It is sad to say, but in samsara, most often we are to choose between 2 evils and then act. At the scale of a country like China, one must be pragmatic.

China will be a patron for Buddhism, China is a patron for Buddhism. It does not mean that the whole of China is a sincere practitionner, it does not mean that the motivation of the leaders of china are not bias neither. But if it means that sincere practitioners find in China the conducive conditions to practice Buddhism, then it is wonderful!

Only practitioners, true practitioners, can spread Buddhism.
Patrons may be practitioners, may not be, they are only patrons.
It is now up to the many that have the opportunity to practice to spread Buddhism, to create the cause for spirituality to go global.

[Vajraprotector]

5 of the Chinese UNESCO world heritage sites are Buddhist: Mount Wutai, the Longmen Grottoes, the Potala Palace in Lhasa, the Mogao Caves and the Yunggang Grottoes. There are 13,000 temples, over 200,000 Buddhist monks and nuns, and 34 Buddhist schools and colleges in China.

The Chinese Communist Party has shown tolerance, if not direct support, for the growth of Buddhism over the last few decades despite the tension related to Tibet and Tibetan Buddhism. I believe as the CCP sought to use it to achieve strategic and domestic objectives, the growth of Buddhism in China is definite. Party leaders have openly supported the development of Buddhism over the years with their public appearances alongside temple abbots. Local authorities have been promoting the restoration and building of temples.

China is increasingly popular as destination for international pilgrimage tourism, especially for Japanese and Korean who want to visit the Buddhist historical sites from which the religion was introduced to their countries.

In relation to the topic of World Buddhist Forum, Vice President Xi Jinping, then Party Secretary of Zhejiang province helped organise the first World Buddhist Forum in 2006. The second World Buddhist Forum in 2009 held its concluding ceremony in Taiwan, and now the third one is in Hong Kong. Taiwan is the headquarters of some large global Buddhist organisations while academic studies and research of Buddhism in Hong Kong have thrived over the past 10 years. The theme of “peace and harmony” is not only for the World Buddhist Forum, but crucial for China’s foreign affairs and “internal” relations. Buddhism is seen as key to bridge the two sides of the straits between the Taiwanese and the Mainland Chinese. 

The Tzu Chi Merit Society, a global Buddhist charity organisation based in Taiwan has received support from governments in China. The foundation finally received authorisation from the central government to set up a branch in Beijing in the immediate aftermath of its rapid effort to provide relief to Sichuan after the 512 quake of 2008. Tzu Chi has now established branches in other cities.

High-profile visit of Master Hsingyun, the founder of the Buddha Light Mountain who was originally from mainland China, excited CCP as there was hope that he could influence Taiwanese Buddhists to their side.

Various municipality and county level Buddhist associations also have their own charities.  These Buddhist organisations help to reduce the impact of social inequalities that are generating much discontent, hence the growth of these organisations will be encouraged.

Of course things may not seem as bright when it comes to Tibetan Buddhism for now with news of self-immolation, but it is obvious that China is way ahead preparing for post-Dalai Lama phase, trying to have somewhat control in the Tibetan Buddhism scene.

China's Panchen Lama, Gyaincain Norbu is a rising star since he was "showcased" in the first World Buddhist Forum, establishing himself as the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhists in China with the help of CCP. He is  the Vice President of the Buddhist Association of China (the official supervisory organ of Buddhism in the People's Republic of China) and a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

Apart from its own Panchen Lama, Beijing is said to connect with the Karma Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism, as it has considerable influence in large areas of Tibet and the mountainous Indo-Himalayan border belt.

China may not promote Buddhism in it's true essence with the intention to propogate Buddhadharma, but I believe the factors above are key for China to become the patron of Global Buddhism.

[Positive Change]

Putting all politics, borders, geography aside, I'd like to bring everyone's attention to the spiritual side of things. Strange but true, if you study the scriptures properly, besides the birth, enlightenment, death and turning of the wheel of Law of the Buddha, the other Bodhisattvas' sacred sites are found in mainland China!

Lord Manjushri resides in Five Peaked Mountain, Wutaishan in Shanxi, Lord Ksitigarbha resides in Jiuhua Mountain, Lord Samantabhadra resides in Er-mei Mountain and the Lord of Compassion resides in Putuo Mountain down south. Of course there's always disputes of the real Potala being in Lhasa but nonetheless Lhasa is part of China now.

My point is that these Bodhisattvas are known to have manifested in these sacred abodes which are geographically situated within China itself. Wouldn't this be a clear sign of how China can be a receptacle of the Buddha's teachings to be preserved there and from this land of the Dragon spread further into other parts of the globe?

There have been so much said about the political powers of China and its potential, since the Mahayana teachings of Buddhism is deep rooted in China it gives so much more reasons for China to be a patron of Buddhism, not chosen by the Buddhas to do so but by some karmic affinity.

This is indeed true... I never did see it from this point which makes it very exciting! With such deep roots into the culture and history of China, it is only a matter of time before it "returns" to the risen dragon. THE most appropriate patron for global Buddhism indeed.

It is no coincidence that such sacred sites are located in China and why... look at China now... a booming economy with resources and clout to support such a renaissance for Buddhism, a truly global Buddhism. Surely the Buddhas in their clairvoyance know this and have planted the seeds at the appropriate areas!

[Big Uncle]

Putting all politics, borders, geography aside, I'd like to bring everyone's attention to the spiritual side of things. Strange but true, if you study the scriptures properly, besides the birth, enlightenment, death and turning of the wheel of Law of the Buddha, the other Bodhisattvas' sacred sites are found in mainland China!

Lord Manjushri resides in Five Peaked Mountain, Wutaishan in Shanxi, Lord Ksitigarbha resides in Jiuhua Mountain, Lord Samantabhadra resides in Er-mei Mountain and the Lord of Compassion resides in Putuo Mountain down south. Of course there's always disputes of the real Potala being in Lhasa but nonetheless Lhasa is part of China now.

My point is that these Bodhisattvas are known to have manifested in these sacred abodes which are geographically situated within China itself. Wouldn't this be a clear sign of how China can be a receptacle of the Buddha's teachings to be preserved there and from this land of the Dragon spread further into other parts of the globe?

There have been so much said about the political powers of China and its potential, since the Mahayana teachings of Buddhism is deep rooted in China it gives so much more reasons for China to be a patron of Buddhism, not chosen by the Buddhas to do so but by some karmic affinity.

This is indeed true... I never did see it from this point which makes it very exciting! With such deep roots into the culture and history of China, it is only a matter of time before it "returns" to the risen dragon. THE most appropriate patron for global Buddhism indeed.

It is no coincidence that such sacred sites are located in China and why... look at China now... a booming economy with resources and clout to support such a renaissance for Buddhism, a truly global Buddhism. Surely the Buddhas in their clairvoyance know this and have planted the seeds at the appropriate areas!

I like what has been said here by Harry Nephew and Hope Rainbow. It is very clear that Buddhism is long entrenched in Chinese Culture and Psyche. Hence, as China progresses down the road of economic prosperity, it will need spirituality very badly to counter the negative effects of materialism. I think it is very wise that the Chinese are looking into it right now.

I think they have realized this and recognizing and promoting home-groomed religious leaders like the Panchen Lama. On top of that, it will be easier for the Chinese to embrace Buddhism as its people get wealthier and more educated and the very fact that it is closer to Chinese culture than other faiths. All makes for a very exciting spiritual future for China.

[triesa]

I wish very much China to be the patron of Global Buddhism, like HarryNephew has said, Buddhism has had a deep root affinity in China many thousand of years ago.

As everyone is aware that China is on its way to be the next super power in the world, China had a fanastic GDP for 2011, a 9.2% growth from the year before. With this, China will go through the cycle like any other developing nations,  there would always be a side effect of growing materialism, greed, attachments, jealousy, hatred and ignorance among the "Young Rich" population. That is exactly why some kind of spirituality must be in place now.

I am not at all surprised that China would not invite HHDL to this peace conference held in Lumbini. China and HHDL are at opposite poles, probably HHDL has seen this coming, and smart enough to put the DS ban in place. As anything that HHDL dislikes or discourages, China would just love to make it even more happening.

Imagine if China can play a leading role as a patron in global buddhism, and when the Panchen Lama that China hand picked, spreading Dorje Shugden practice to the whole population, and eventually influencing the world, like America has been  before when she was the super power, many people would be able to have the fortune to be connected with Dorje Shugden, the uncommon protector of this kaliyuga age.

Yes, I am thinking totally on a spiritual platform, whether the officials in the Chinese government may have a different motivation now, it doesn't really matter as nothing is permanent. Things will change and most important of all is that China wants to take the lead as being an active patron of Global Buddhism. I see this all as a very good sign.