Buddhism of Hong Kong during the Japanese occupation, 1941-1945

Abstract

This dissertation explores the dynamics of the Buddhist community in Hong Kong during the Japanese occupation from 1941 to 1945, revealing their choices amidst the chaos of occupation that differ from traditional narratives of resistance or collaboration. The study is divided into three main sections. First, it examines the historical background of Buddhists migration and their development in Hong Kong from the late Qing Dynasty to early Republic period. Second, it investigates the profound changes experienced by the Buddhist community during the Japanese occupation. Despite acts of resistance, monks faced poverty and violence, struggling to find a precarious balance between survival and collaboration under the stringent religious policies and institutional reforms imposed by the Japanese. Finally, it profiles three key Buddhist figures who chose to compromise with Japanese, revealing their pragmatic strategies in negotiating the complex political realities. Originally a source of spiritual solace and public welfare, Buddhism was exploited by the Japanese occupiers, blurring the lines between colonial rule, religious devotion and pragmatic survival. By analyzing the multifaceted experiences of the wartime Buddhist community in Hong Kong, this dissertation challenges simplistic dichotomies of heroism and betrayal, uncovering the nuanced moral landscape shaped by survival imperatives and attempting to understand the troubling intersections of power, personal morality, and religious resilience during times of crisis.