A Preliminary Study on the Influence of Buddhism on Traditional Chinese Legal Thought

Since its eastward spread, Buddhism has interacted with and integrated into traditional Chinese culture, gradually becoming localized and sinicized, flourishing during the Sui and Tang dynasties. The Buddhist doctrines and precepts, such as the concepts of equality of all beings, compassion, the notion of hell, and karma, have increasingly influenced traditional Chinese legal thought. These ideas have altered or reinforced the legislative, law enforcement, judicial, and law-abiding perspectives of emperors, officials, and even the common people. The introduction of Buddhism brought new legal concepts, enriched the cultural connotation of Chinese law, and contributed to the formation of China's unique legal philosophy.