Forms of Temple Life in the Tang Dynasty

Abstract

This paper explores how monks and lay practitioners lived at Buddhist temples during the Tang Dynasty. It also clarifies the terminology related to different modes of residence at that time. A strict management system was implemented to manage the increase in clergy during the Tang Dynasty. The number of monks who lived at temples was limited. If temples needed more staff, however, they could also recruit new monks in residence on the basis of examinations. The process resulting in this form of residence is known as haijū (配住). Monks were also transferred from different temples (kijū 寄住). An official document was required to apply for a transfer. On the other hand, temples also accepted monks based on orders by the emperor (a process known as chokujū 勅住). The examination of recently discovered documents has brought to light that government officials and literati also frequently stayed at these temples. The reasons are still unclear at this point, but we may assume that laypeople supported the temples financially, by paying rent.