Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v1.c7.s1.t12.2

v1.c7.s1.t12.2

The influence of Acharya Buddhism began to wane gradually in the upper society of the Bais since the 13th century, but it was still flourishing in rural areas. Acharyas once called upon the people of various nationalities to resist against rulers of the Yuan Dynasty (1206-1368 CE) and the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 CE). As a result, Zhu Yuanzhang, Emperor Taizu of the Ming Dynasty, once banned the dissemination of Acharya Buddhism. However, he later abolished his prohibition and set up an office to administer the affairs of Acharya Buddhism. Zhu Di, Emperor Chengzu of the Ming Dynasty, once ordered the acharya of Beitangtian, Dali to go to Beijing to pray for his blessings. Nevertheless, during the reign of the Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty (1616-1911 CE), the office in charge of affairs with regard to Acharya Buddhism was revoked.