Singularity of Chinese Buddhism: Influences of Taoism and Confucianism

Abstract

This paper argues that the distinctiveness of Chinese Buddhism arises from its sustained interaction and gradual synthesis with native cultural traditions, particularly Confucianism and Taoism. By examining two influential narratives-the legend of the unconventional monk Ji Gong and the classical novel Journey to the West-the study illustrates how core Buddhist principles were continuously reinterpreted through a Chinese cultural lens. These narratives reveal the localized transformation of ideas such as filial piety, moral reciprocity, and karmic retribution, showing how abstract doctrines were translated into familiar ethical practices and vivid literary characters. Through this process of reinterpretation, Buddhism was not merely introduced to China but reshaped to align with long-standing social values and philosophical orientations. The analysis further highlights how these stories served as accessible vehicles for conveying Buddhist teachings to broader audiences, integrating spiritual ideals with everyday moral concerns. Ultimately, the paper concludes that this deep cultural syncretism produced a uniquely Chinese form of Buddhism-one that retained its foundational spiritual concepts while developing new meanings rooted in indigenous traditions, thereby differentiating it from its Indian origins and contributing to its enduring influence within Chinese cultural history.