This course will examine the deep impact that Buddhism exerted upon Chinese civilization.  Originating in India, Buddhism served as a vehicle by which Indian civilization broadly conceived exerted a deep and lasting impact upon each and every aspect of Chinese culture: from religion and philosophy to literature, visual art, and material culture.

The course will examine not only Chinese Buddhism per se  but also the interaction between Buddhism and the native Chinese religious traditions, mostly Daoism and the amorphous popular religion.  As such, the course will also serve as an introduction to Chinese religions.