Development of Buddhism: A Case Study of the Buddhist Art in the Tang Dynasty

Buddhism and Dunhuang Mo Gao Cave have long been hot topics among studies; however, there are few researches done connecting specific paintings to the development of Buddhism in general, drawing a connection between the artistry and the history of the development of the religion. Taking the painting on the southern wall of Cave number 172 for example, finally proving the paintings capability of reflecting the transformations Buddhism experienced in China, this essay completed an interdisciplinary analysis from the following three aspects: the cultural symbol of Pure Land, the visual presentation techniques used, and the historical event that contributed significantly to the development. In this way, this essay manages to touch upon the hot topic of the sinicization of Buddhism and the overall adaptive responses made throughout this course. Taking place specifically during the Tang dynasty, when Buddhism underwent a crucial phase of development, these adaptive responses also provide insights into the question of how ultimatrly Buddhism managed to get juxtaposed with Confucianism and Taoism, both already dominating in Chinese culture for years when Buddhism was relatively peripheral.