Transcending Borders: Taixu's Vision in Vietnam Buddhism, from Modernization to Engaged Practice

The Echo of Txu's Vision in Vietnam Buddhism: Influencing the Revival and Modernization

delves into the transformative effects of Chinese Master Txu on Vietnamese Buddhism from the 1920s onward. Inspired by Txu’s efforts to modernize Buddhist institutions through education, temple management reforms, social work initiatives, and the promotion of a 'Buddhism for this world' - renjian fojiao - Vietnamese reformers reinvigorated their fth, marking a significant shift towards integrating Western concepts with traditional Buddhism.

Beginning from an in-depth exploration of China's Buddhist resurgence influenced by Txu’s ideas, then examines the activities that took place in Vietnam during the period between 1920s to the late 60s. It meticulously analyzes the exchange of personnel and materials between these two countries and discusses how renjian fojiao was interpreted and operationalized within Vietnamese Buddhism.

The focus narrows on the interpretation and application of Txu's philosophy in Vietnam, especially in shaping Thich Nhat Hanh’s conception of 'Engaged Buddhism'. offer a nuanced perspective on the interplay between Chinese and Vietnamese Buddhist traditions amidst the global flow of ideas and practices during this period.

The Introduction section will outline China’s Buddhist revival movement led by Txu as well as highlight its impact on Vietnam. It will also establish an overview of Vietnam's Buddhist reformer activities in the early decades of the 20th century, emphasizing their adaptation of renjian fojiao.

The mn body consists of several sub-sections:

Section 1: Chinese Buddhist Revival and Txu’s Contribution

• Discusses Txu’s role in modernizing Buddhism through education reforms, temple management, social work, and lay participation.

• Explores the conceptual framework of renjian fojiao and its significance.

Section 2: Vietnamese Buddhist Reform Efforts

• Examines the Vietnamese response to China's revival movement, focusing on educational initiatives and social welfare projects implemented by local reformers.

• Highlights key figures who adopted Txu’s vision in their activities.

Section 3: Cross-Border Flows of Buddhism between Vietnam and China

• Analyzes how Buddhist personnel moved across borders, sharing knowledge, experiences, and practices.

• Discusses the exchange of educational materials and publications between Vietnamese and Chinese temples and institutions.

Section 4: Implementation of renjian fojiao in Vietnam

• Explores how renjian fojiao influenced modern Vietnamese Buddhism, particularly through education reforms, establishment of Buddhist groups, and social work projects.

• Focuses on Thich Nhat Hanh's engagement with Txu’s philosophy and its development into 'Engaged Buddhism'.

Concluding Remarks will summarize the findings and implications of integrating Western concepts with traditional Buddhist practices in Vietnam.

The draws together insights from previous sections to emphasize how Txu’s vision has shaped Vietnamese Buddhism, fostering a unique bl of tradition and modernity. It also discusses the broader significance of this process for understanding transnational Buddhist traditions and their global circulation.

contributes to the field by offering an interdisciplinary perspective on the influence of Chinese Buddhism on Southeast Asian religious reformations, providing insights into how global ideas are adapted and transformed within specific cultural contexts.
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