A Study On The Philosophical Thought Of Buddhism In The Pure Land Of Tang Dynasty

During the flourishing period of Tang Dynasty, Buddhism pure land sect thought and art obtained adequate development; the research objects of this article are the artistic view, religious outlook, and philosophical concept contained in the Buddhism pure land sect thought during the flourishing period of Tang Dynasty. The major practice method of pure land Buddhism is reading Buddha; due to its simple practice method, which is beneficial to propagation, it attracted large numbers of believers and generated deep influence on Chinese artistic development. During the flourishing period of Tang Dynasty, pure land Buddhism developed rapidly and many artistic works themed Buddhist texts sprung up. Based on analyzing the representative works during this period, this article interpreted the artistic view, religious outlook, and philosophical concept contained in the pure land Buddhism thought, and surveyed its philosophy and art thoughts. This article believed that, they reason why the pure land Buddhism thought during the flourishing period of Tang Dynasty obtained remarkable achievement are that: firstly, the social economy during the flourishing period of Tang Dynasty was prosperous; “since economic base determines superstructure”, pure land Buddhism art developed rapidly under the support of powerful economy. Secondly, the practice of pure land Buddhism was convenient and beneficial to attracting believers, so it has many Buddhist pilgrims. Thirdly, Support of religion by state power. Fourthly, Artistic form became the important means for carrying forward Buddhist doctrine and attracting believers.