Chinese Influence on Japanese and Korean Temples

             Chinese Buddhism was introduced into Korea in the fourth century, and from there taken to Japan two centuries later. In this paper, I would like to compare what are the Chinese influences on Korea and Japan in the temples of Buddhism field. In addition, does the Chinese really directly influence these two countries? The reason that I pick Korea and Japan as a comparison is that I have been to these two countries and visited some temples of them. My feeling is that even though those temples have some similarities but unique. I think it may be interesting to introduce the transformation of the temples. In addition, my grandfather is a Buddhist and I actually got some useful information from him about the paper. Historically, Japan has been subject to sudden invasions of new and alien ideas followed by long periods of minimal contact with the outside world. Over time the Japanese developed the ability to absorb, imitate, and finally assimilate those elements of foreign culture that complemented their aesthetic preferences. For example: Even though Japanese temples are influenced by China and Korea, it still keeps their original ideas and have their own style. On the other hand, while the foreign influence on Korean art cannot be ignored, it is almost impossible to appreciate the real value of Korean art without properly understanding the underlying context of Korean history and culture. This obvious truth has more often than not been overlooked
             Buddhism was first brought from China to the Korean Peninsula in 372 CE. The first Korean temples to be built, according to records, was Songmun-sa (or Ch'o-mun-sa) and Ibulran-sa. A Buddhist temple compound is far more than just a collection of buildings. First of all, the land is chosen according to the ancient science of geomancy which considers the shape of the mountains, position of water and the cardinal directions. Next, the main hall is built, accompanied by special ceremonies. The other...

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Chinese Influence on Japanese and Korean Temples. (1969, December 31). In MegaEssays.com. Retrieved 22:35, April 18, 2024, from https://www.megaessays.com/viewpaper/681.html