ABSTRACT
Buddhism entered China through two main routes; one through Central Asia and the other overland and by sea, from the south. Buddhist influence on Chinese intellectual life and art is massive. It can be seen in the development of Chinese sculpture and landscape painting, and also in philosophy and in social concepts. All forms of Chinese art were profoundly affected by Buddhist influence. Buddhist statuary became a major impetus to the new flourishing of Chinese sculpture. The many sects that emerged within Chinese Buddhism stressed chiefly faith, prayer, and emotional commitment as the way to salvation. The mystical references to the Taoist texts, the Tao-Teh Ching and Chuang-tse, were interpreted and extended by Taoist magicians into claims that through mysterious and occult means they could obtain immortality. The essence of the teachings of Buddha is stated in the several Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.
