Guanyin
Also known as Avalokiteshvara. "the one who perceived the sounds (of human prayers)" became one of the greatest objects of devotion in the Chinese mind. Remains one of the most venerated and supplicated figures in the Chinese pantheon. Pure Land Buddhism.
He Chong
Chinese statesman that promoted Buddhism in the royal court. Spent vast sums of public funds to construct Buddhist monasteries. Monk's benign influence was a safeguard for the state. Believed that Buddhist monks following their moral principles reinforced Confucian values.
Huahu
Chinese school of thought. "The Conversion of the Barbarians." Believes that Buddhism is Daoism. Believed that Laozi went to India and became Buddha. Therefore, Buddhism was no more than degenerate Daoism, with some qualities which could be incorporated into "real" Daoism.
Huayan (Period)
One of Zhiyi's five periods of Buddhist thought. Flower Garland period. The earliest period which represented the highest level of Buddhist teaching. It was too complex to be grasped by the average person, so the Buddha modified his message so that it could be understood by the laity. Encompassed the abrupt and sudden method, and was referred to as the twofold period since it was special and perfect.
Huayan (school)
Buddhist school that based its teachings on the Flower Garland Sutra period. Believed that the universe was self creating and that all phenomena, although devoid of intrinsic self, arose simultaneously. Divided Buddhist teachings into various levels of profundity. World view is exemplified in Fanzang's Essay on the Golden Lion. During 620 to 840, Huayan Buddhism was the premier philosophical system of China.
Ilsung Pulgyo
Buddhism of the single vehicle. Wonhyo's effort to unify Buddhism into a single entity.
Koucheng Nianfo
Pure land Buddhist mantra popularized by Tanluan. The recital of a phrase or word that could be chanted anywhere at any time. This concept liberated Buddhism from a small group of specialists and presented it to society at large.
Mudang
Primary religious functionaries in Korean and Japanese Shamanism who were women. Common feature in Paleo-Siberian society, whereas Neo-Siberian society has mostly male practitioners.
O'gyo
The five orthodox Buddhist schools established in Korea. Early part of development.
Paksu
Korean Shamanic traditions male functionaries. Their role in modern tradition is limited, with women forming the majority.
Sanjie Jiao
Chinese Buddhism's school of the three stages of XinXing. Based on texts such as the lotus sutra and the avatamsaka sutra. First to display a unique set of Chinese Buddhist values. Lived in secular surroundings and mixed freely with laypersons. Had little respect for images and scriptures, believing they were artificial expressions with little or no salvic value in themselves. Believed that all of existence was permeated by the Buddha nature. Advocated alms giving. Believed there was chaos and disorder in the world and that no government could return society to true religion. This belief led to its downfall, as it was declared heretical and led to its final extinction during the Buddhist persecution of 845.
Shenhui
Chan monk who caused the rupture in the Chan School over whether the path to enlightenment was immediate or gradual. Put forth the belief that the passing down of patriarch status within the Chan school was wrong, in favor of another monk that was not mentioned, Huineng who believed that the enlightenment was instantaneous and not gradual. This led to Huineng becoming patriarch and his disciples who lived in south China. Led to be considered the premier school of the Chan.
Shenling
Early Chinese Buddhist belief that in some ways purported the existence of a permanent and eternally existing soul. Doctrine created to appease Chinese beliefs in the permanent soul and ancestor veneration. In this way, it was easier for Buddhists to explain the cycle of birth and rebirth and the karma associated with it.
Sodos
Sacred Precincts for ritual which evolved in southern Korea. Groves of trees marked by a bell and drum suspended on a pole, symbolizing the presence of divine beings within the precincts. As families began to dominate regions, these sodos became associated with their founding ancestors.
Sukhavativyuha Sutra
Teachings which the Pure land school based their doctrine. Spoke of a "pure land," a universe where a Buddha still lived and where it was possible to achieve enlightenment. Translated into Chinese some 10 times and expanded considerably in the process. Appealed greatly to the lower classes.
Sun Zhuo
Chinese Layperson who made a significant contribution to Chinese Buddhism. Made some of the first attempts to reconcile Buddhism and Confucianism. Difference was mainly of emphasis. Buddhists explicate the inner nature of things, while Confucians show these inner principles are to be manifested in the everyday world. So the difference was more a matter of circumstance than essence.
Tanluan
Zu, or patriarch of the Pure land school whose leadership led to the emergence of Pure Land Buddhism as a formal Chinese Buddhist school. Met a Buddhist monk who converted him, leading him to spend the remainder of his life popularizing the new school. Also popularized the koucheng nianfo.
