Yin-Cheng Distinguished Lecture Series: Zhao Puchu’s Concept of “Buddhism as Culture” and the Revival of Buddhism in Contemporary Mainland China

Speaker: Sheng Kai, Tsinghua University
Discussant: Fan Wenli (Chinese Academy of Social Sciences / University of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences)

During the emergence of socialism in early modern China, Buddhism was criticised as “feudal superstition” and “spiritual pollution”. As a key leader in the Buddhist community, Zhao Puchu responded pragmatically rather than academically by proposing the theory of “Buddhism as Culture”, which emphasised cultural dimensions to counter negative perceptions and misunderstandings about Buddhism.

The lecture will be presented in Mandarin, live-streamed via YouTube with simultaneous English and Mandarin channels.

Zoom registration: https://ubc.zoom.us/meeting/register/u5EqceyuqzwsGdOG94PovHvjRrDu4eKhdN8l