Dbq Essay Example on Buddhism in China - Ap World History

When Buddhism was brought to Ancient China in 1st century C.E., it progressively won converts after the fall of the Han Dynasty. Buddhism continued to influence China for centuries. The extent of Buddhism’s appeal can be traced throughout its existence in ancient China. Buddhism had distinct influence in ancient China. According to Buddha, life is ultimately suffering. Desire is the cause of suffering, when one rids themselves of desire, their suffering will be over. “The Fourth Noble Truth is the Noble Truth of the Way that leads to the Stopping of Sorrow.” (Buddha) This concept appealed to many people in ancient China. The fall of the Han Dynasty left them confused and lost, so Buddhism seemed like the answer their problems. Buddha saw the positive aspects of Buddhism. As an enlightener and messenger, he sought to have his message spread. Zhi Dun was a Chinese scholar who lived when Buddhism first began in ancient China. He felt that Buddhism was ultimately enlightening. According to Dun, Buddhism was an opportunity to fix the problems left after the fall of the Han Dynasty. According to an anonymous Chinese scholar, beliefs systems can coexist but there is a challenge of Confucianism. This scholar lived towards the end of Buddhism in ancient China. This scholar believed that Buddhism didn’t solve problems in Ancient China. He believed that Confucianism was the best belief system for ancient China. Not everyone in Ancient China saw the positive appeal of Buddhism. Han Yu was a Confucian scholar. He was completely against Buddhism and believed that the people of Ancient China shouldn’t honor this belief system. According to Yu “If these practices are not stopped, there will be those in the crowd who will cut off their arms and mutilate their flesh in offering to the Buddha.” Based on this statement, Yu believed Confucianism was right for China; he believed that Buddhism would only cause more problems for Ancient China. He believed this because he was