This study focuses on the Buddhist reform suggestions proposed by Sheng Yan (1930-2009) in Buddhist journals mainly during the second half of the 1950s. While advocating ideas such as a stronger and unified Buddhist association as well as a more modernized Buddhist educational system, he referred to or mirrored the Christian churches, education and missionary forms. Although these are somewhat similar to what the ＂new monks＂ (Xinseng) have already been said in the Republican era, we would find the remarks echoed Sheng Yan's own career and the trend of contemporary Chinese Buddhist development. This is based on the fact that after Chinese Buddhists have come to Taiwan, Hong Kong and other places overseas due to the Civil War, its environment has gradually allowed more changes and innovation. On the other hand, this article reviews the history and studies of modern Buddhist reform and the references to Christianity in China. It also describes the Buddhist-Christian debates that took place outside the mainland in the 1950s and 1960s as the relevant background.
