A Closer Look - The Art of Buddhism

Initially, Buddhist doctrines and temple art in China were based closely on prototypes brought from India, either via a northern overland route through Central Asia or by a southern sea route. As Buddhism was absorbed into Chinese life, it deeply affected Chinese cultural and philosophic values. At the same time, the religion itself was altered by indigenous Chinese traditions. For example, Indian encouragement of individual salvation through celibate monastic life was tempered in China by Confucian stress on family cohesion and ancestor worship.
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