Throughout the history of imperial China, the emperors were not just political leaders but also influential patrons of religious practices and philosophies. Among the various religious and philosophical systems, Buddhism and Taoism held special importance within the imperial court. These two belief systems, while distinct in their teachings and practices, shared a common feature — they received significant royal patronage, which helped shape their development and influence on Chinese culture, governance, and society.
The emperors of China recognized the importance of religion in consolidating their power, maintaining social harmony, and offering spiritual guidance. In particular, Buddhism and Taoism were both seen as essential pillars in the imperial court, with the ruling elite sponsoring temples, monasteries, scriptures, and rituals that upheld their beliefs. In this article, we will explore the royal patronage of Buddhism and Taoism, examining how emperors supported these religions, the ways in which these belief systems influenced imperial rule, and the lasting impact they had on Chinese culture.
I. Early Imperial Support for Taoism and Buddhism
While Taoism and Buddhism would reach their peak of royal patronage during the Tang and Song Dynasties, their roots in imperial China extend back to the early dynasties. Both religions provided a spiritual foundation for emperors, government officials, and the broader population. The imperial court was deeply engaged with these systems of belief, often seeking their guidance for governance, cosmology, and moral teachings.
1. The Rise of Taoism in the Han Dynasty
Taoism, an indigenous Chinese religion and philosophy, has its foundations in the teachings of Laozi (Lao Tzu) and Zhuangzi, who promoted the idea of living in harmony with the Tao (the Way). Taoism grew significantly during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE), a time when the imperial court began to recognize its role in guiding individuals toward moral conduct and a harmonious life.
Emperor Wu of the Han (r. 141–87 BCE) was one of the first Chinese emperors to provide royal patronage to Taoism. He promoted Taoist philosophy at the state level, incorporating elements of Taoism into the official state ideology alongside Confucianism. The emperor’s interest in Taoism was also reflected in the court’s investment in Taoist alchemy, ritual, and religious practices, which were believed to bring about immortality and the well-being of the state.
2. The Introduction of Buddhism during the Han Dynasty
Buddhism, originating in India, began to enter China along the Silk Road in the early centuries CE. Initially met with resistance by the Confucian elite, Buddhism slowly gained traction, and by the late Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220 CE), it had begun to receive the support of various members of the royal court and local rulers. Emperor Ming of the Han (r. 57–75 CE) is often regarded as the first emperor to officially patronize Buddhism. According to legend, Emperor Ming dreamed of a golden deity, which led him to send emissaries to India in search of Buddhist scriptures and monks. This marked the beginning of the official introduction of Buddhism into Chinese society.
II. The Tang Dynasty: A Golden Age for Buddhism and Taoism
The Tang Dynasty (618–907) is often regarded as the golden age for Buddhism in China, while Taoism also experienced significant royal patronage during this time. Both religions reached their zenith in terms of imperial support, scholarly activity, and cultural integration into Chinese society.
1. The Tang Emperors and Buddhism
Buddhism flourished during the Tang period due to the strong support from the imperial family. Emperor Taizong (r. 626–649) was particularly influential in promoting Buddhism within the imperial court. Taizong not only supported the construction of Buddhist temples and monasteries but also invited foreign Buddhist scholars and monks to the capital, Chang’an, where they translated important texts and advanced Buddhist teachings. His reign also saw the imperial court fund the establishment of significant Buddhist institutions, including monasteries and temples, and the translation of key Buddhist scriptures into Chinese.
Emperor Xuanzong (r. 712–756) was another major patron of Buddhism, and under his rule, Buddhism became deeply entrenched in Chinese society. He established Buddhist monasteries throughout the empire, provided land for them, and allowed Buddhist practices to influence imperial policies. The emperor also personally consulted with Buddhist monks on matters of statecraft, seeking their advice on governance, moral issues, and even military strategy.
2. Taoism and Imperial Patronage during the Tang Dynasty
The Tang emperors were equally dedicated to Taoism, recognizing its spiritual value and role in maintaining harmony in the state. Taoist alchemy, rituals, and medicine flourished during the Tang period, and the imperial court became involved in the production of Taoist texts and the establishment of Taoist temples and institutions.
Emperor Taizong was a great patron of Taoism as well. Under his reign, the state recognized the importance of Taoist priests in court rituals and ceremonies. Emperors during the Tang period also supported the Taoist priesthood through the allocation of land and resources for the construction of Taoist temples. Taoist rituals, such as those related to the imperial sacrifices and state ceremonies, were performed regularly at the court.
III. The Song Dynasty: The Fusion of Buddhism and Taoism
The Song Dynasty (960–1279) saw further development in the royal patronage of both Buddhism and Taoism. However, during this period, the two religions experienced a more integrated role in Chinese society, and the line between them began to blur.
1. The Integration of Buddhism into Song Society
During the Song period, Buddhism continued to be supported by the imperial family, though there was a shift toward a more localized and monastic form of the religion. Emperors of the Song Dynasty, especially Emperor Taizong (r. 976–997), continued the practice of granting imperial favor to Buddhist monasteries and religious figures. Buddhist temples flourished in both urban and rural areas, becoming centers of learning, philanthropy, and social welfare.
The Song Dynasty also saw the rise of Chan Buddhism (Zen in Japan), which was supported by the imperial court due to its emphasis on personal experience and meditation. The emperor’s endorsement of Chan Buddhism helped solidify its influence across China, and Chan monks were frequently consulted for advice on governance, ethics, and statecraft.
2. Taoism and the Song Court
Taoism also enjoyed royal favor during the Song Dynasty. However, by this time, Taoism had evolved into a more scholarly and intellectual tradition, and many Song emperors supported the production of Taoist texts that focused on moral philosophy, cosmology, and governance. Taoist teachings were also integrated into the imperial court’s rituals and practices, as the emperors sought to maintain social order and harmony.
The Song emperors’ patronage of Taoism was evident in the many Taoist temples, monasteries, and academies that were established during the period. The imperial family supported Taoist priesthoods, and Taoist teachings were considered an integral part of the intellectual life of the court.
IV. The Qing Dynasty: Maintaining the Traditions of Buddhism and Taoism
The Qing Dynasty (1644–1912) was the last imperial dynasty of China, and while it was founded by the Manchus, who were ethnically distinct from the Han Chinese, the emperors of the Qing period continued the long-standing tradition of royal patronage of both Buddhism and Taoism.
1. The Qing Emperors and Tibetan Buddhism
The Qing emperors were strong patrons of Tibetan Buddhism, particularly after the Qing court established a relationship with the Dalai Lama. Emperor Kangxi (r. 1662–1722) and Emperor Qianlong (r. 1735–1796) extended the influence of Tibetan Buddhism within the empire by supporting Tibetan monasteries and inviting prominent Tibetan Buddhist figures to the court. This marked the imperial court’s acknowledgment of the importance of Buddhism not only within China but also in the broader context of the Mongol and Tibetan regions.
The Qing emperors also promoted Buddhism through the sponsorship of Buddhist temples and the production of important Buddhist texts. Buddhist scriptures were translated into Manchu, and the imperial court supported the construction of large Buddhist monuments, such as the famous Lama temples in Beijing.
2. Taoism in the Qing Dynasty
While Buddhism enjoyed significant royal patronage during the Qing Dynasty, Taoism continued to be supported by the imperial family, especially in the context of state rituals and ceremonies. Taoist priests were often employed to perform rites for the health of the emperor and the well-being of the empire. However, by the Qing period, Taoism had become less dominant in imperial patronage compared to Buddhism, especially due to the growing influence of Tibetan Buddhism at the court.
V. Conclusion: A Lasting Legacy of Royal Patronage
The royal patronage of Buddhism and Taoism in imperial China played a significant role in the shaping of Chinese culture, religion, and governance. Through their sponsorship of temples, monasteries, scriptures, and rituals, the emperors of China ensured that these two religions would leave a lasting mark on the fabric of Chinese society. From the early imperial courts to the later Qing Dynasty, the support of Buddhism and Taoism by the imperial family helped foster a rich tradition of intellectual and spiritual life that influenced not only the elite but also the broader population.
Today, the legacy of this royal patronage is visible in the many temples, manuscripts, and teachings that have been passed down through generations. Buddhism and Taoism continue to be important components of Chinese culture, and their royal patronage remains an integral part of their enduring influence on the world.