A study of the beneficent monks in Chinese Buddhism : with special reference to the biographies of Eminent monks

Abstract

This research is an investigation of the beneficent monks from the Eastern Jin to the end of the Song Dynasty recorded in five collections of biographies of monks and their contribution to Chinese Buddhism. The study mainly focuses on the contributions made by the beneficent monks, which include three major classifications: promotion and propagation of Buddhism, benefiting human society and saving the sentient beings such as animals and spirits. The discussion demonstrates the significance and the impact the beneficent monks made in the propagation of Buddhism and the upliftment of the society in ancient China by their contributions.

According to the findings of the present work, Buddhist construction works accounted for the largest proportion of the Buddhist meritorious works since it met the basic need for social development as well as the development of Buddhism. The meritorious work of preaching Dharma accounted for the second largest proportion, especially in the period of the Sui and Tang Dynasties. It contributed to propagating Buddhism, but most significantly, it inspired people to do good, which helped build a better society. Besides, the meritorious works of the monks, including civil construction, giving alms and medical treatments, also greatly benefited the human society.

The study also finds that Buddhist meritorious works, as in the past, could help improve people’s lives and strengthen the social welfare services even in the modern time. Moreover, the study exhibits that the positive energy generated by the Buddhist meritorious works also attracts support from the ruling class and the active involvement of all of the social classes. In conclusion, it is emphasized that Buddhist meritorious works are of great practical meaning by presenting a significant way for the Buddhists and Buddhism to better serve the society and the country, which in turn sustains the development of Buddhism and deepens its influence in modern world.