The Impact of Buddhism on Chinese Material Culture

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Buddhism's arrival in China profoundly influenced both spiritual and material aspects of Chinese culture from the first century onward. The study explores how various objects, including relics, prayer beads, and monastic attire, were integrated into Chinese life, reshaping beliefs and rituals. Kieschnick highlights the unexpected connections between everyday items like bridges, tea, and chairs with Buddhist practices, illustrating the religion's enduring impact on material culture in China, which persists even after Buddhism's decline in India.