Buddhism in Chinese Society: An Economic History from the Fifth to the Tenth Centuries

Front Cover
Columbia University Press, 1995 - History - 441 pages
A much broader historical overview than many works that discuss the economic intricacies of Buddhism in China, Buddhism in Chinese Society interweaves an understanding of social and political organization, Buddhist religious philosophy and doctrine, legal tenets, customs of the day, and many other significant layers of Chinese culture. Drawing largely upon primary sources - from the work of official Chinese historians to the writings of Buddhist monks - Gernet demonstrates the far-reaching influence of Buddhism on the economic development of China during a time when the religion was growing at an unprecedented rate among all levels of society. Buddhism in Chinese Society looks at state and imperial policy but also delves into the lives of villagers far away from the major centers of religious and economic power.

From inside the book

Contents

IMMEDIATE FACTS
3
SECONDARY FACTS THE FISCAL DEFICIT
29
THE ACCUMULATION OF ASSETS
63
THE INDIAN HERITAGE
65
LANDS AND DEPENDENTS
94
INDUSTRIAL INSTALLATIONS
142
COMMERCE AND USURY
153
PART FOUR
193
THE WEALTHY LAITY
278
THE RULING CLASS
298
INTERNAL CONTRADICTIONS IN THE BUDDHIST MOVEMENT IN CHINA
307
CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE
313
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
314
PRICES
315
NOTES
317
GLOSSARY
385

THE CIRCUIT OF GIVING
195
THE HISTORICAL SUBSTRATA
229
ECONOMICS AND RELIGION
231
THE POPULAR SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT
248

Common terms and phrases

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