Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v2.c12.s1.62

v2.c12.s1.62

In this period, Chinese gradually accepted Buddhist culture introduced from India. They transformed and absorbed it and added new concepts and new idols in their brains. For example, the thoughts such as “the six ways of rebirth” and “retribution for sin” became a common consciousness of the masses, while Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, Devaraja, Yama, Vajra and Arhat secured their places in China’s folk pantheon. Because of the establishment of these new concepts and idols, this kind of folk belief has played its roles and standardised conventions of daily life and ethics and morality of many people till now. Three aspects were worth noticing during this period ie seasonal festival, life etiquettes and common sayings.