Aufklärung: revista de filosofia

Buddhism entered China in the first century CE and underwent profound transformation to become an organic component of the spiritual culture of the Chinese nation. By the Sui–Tang period (581 to 907), the Sinicization of Buddhism was essentially completed, manifested through three prominent characteristics: integration, diversity, and simplification. This article analyzes the content of this process across three historical stages, elucidates the core characteristics, and evaluates the extensive influence of Buddhism on customs and rituals, literature, art, and thought among the Chinese people. The findings demonstrate that Buddhism was not merely localized but also contributed significantly to shaping Chinese cultural identity, establishing a triadic balance among Confucianism, Buddhism, and Daoism.