Yin Shun - Decline of Buddhism in China

Decline of Buddhism in China

Zhang, now known as Yin Shun, noticed that Buddhism in China was waning. The Buddhist scriptures, the lectures and teachings of the Buddha ought to be studied, understood, and above all practiced in daily life by Buddhists. But in China, the scriptures were nothing more than chanting materials for funerals.

In his hometown, monks only chanted sutras for the dead, while their major duty of expounding the Buddha's teachings to those who were still alive was completely ignored. The decline and lack of dedication of the contemporary Sangha worried young Yin Shun deeply. He, too, was overwhelmed with questions and doubts.

Furthermore, ruthless criticism and reprimands could be heard in society. "Buddhism ruins the country!" "Monks and nuns are useless!" "Abolish monasteries!" Derogatory slogans like these were shouted almost every day by some educated people.

This harsh critique made a strong impact on Yinshun. Was it true that the Buddha Dharma had become useless in dealing with people and events in the lives of the people? Yin Shun felt that Buddhism seemed to have been transformed into a paper bag flying in the sky of 2,500 years ago—it could easily be blown away in a gust of wind.