The religious beliefs of the Chinese Dynasties, contemporary with the Tangut State (Western Xia), were multiple and diverse. These beliefs included Buddhism and Taoism, combined with the surviving elements of archaic religions. Throughout Tangut history, Buddhism always remained in the religious mainstream, but had never completely dominated the religious life of the Tangut state. Buddhism in Xixia had following distinct characteristics: 1) the Tripiṭaka was translated into the Tangut language, which allowed the Tangut people to accept the Buddhist religion through their own language; 2) the spread of Tibetan Buddhism in the Tangut state set the pattern for the transplanting of Tibetan Buddhism outside Tibet. This established the foundation for further eastward transmission of Tibetan Buddhism during the Yuan Dynasty; 3) the building up the North Wutai Temple in Helan Mountain; 4) the continuation of generous royal support for Mogao and Yulin Grottoes, introduction of Tibetan esoteric motifs into the grotto arts. Confucianism was the dominant ideology of the Tangut State. Tangut emperors implemented Confucian ritualism more thoroughly than the Kitan-Liao and the Jurchen-Jin Dynasties. The Tangut State venerated the Buddha together with Confucius, creating an organic combination between spiritual solace and political practice.
目次
The Status of Buddhism in the Tangut Administrative System 140 Buddhism and State in Xixia 145 The Characteristics of Tangut Buddhism 147 The Status of Confucianism in the Tangut State 152 Conclusion: Confucianism and Buddhism in Xixia-Ren Dejing's Case 154
