Towards a Buddhist History of Mount Tai

A significant gap in the understanding of Mount Tai, China's Sacred Peak, has been addressed by uncovering its Buddhist history, which was previously overshadowed by state cult and Daoist traditions. This study reveals that Buddhist establishments on Mount Tai began as early as the late fifth century, with monk Senglang (ca. 315–400) credited with establishing the 'first monastery.' The research integrates archaeological evidence with textual sources, including a notable Northern Qi dynasty artefact—the giant Diamond Sutra inscribed in Sutra Stone Valley—situating it within a broader network of early Buddhist sites. This approach provides a nuanced perspective on the acculturation of Buddhism on Mount Tai, enriching our knowledge of its religious and cultural significance.

Wenzel, C. (2022). Towards a Buddhist History of Mount Tai. Journal of Chinese Religions, 50(1), 1–44. https://doi.org/10.1353/jcr.2022.0001