Week 224: Brahmins in Tang China, Buddhist Shortcomings, Aesthetic
03/30/2024 - Modern Hindu Content
Welcome to Eternal Path! This week we feature: Brahmins in the Tang Dynasty, the Shortcomings of Buddhism, and an aesthetic!
History Highlight: Brahmins of the Tang Dynasty
The Tang dynasty ruled China from approximately 618CE - 907CE, particularly known during its time as a legendary period for Chinese poetry, and a great period for Chinese art in general. The Western reaches of the empire stretched at least to modern Xinjiang province.
Given the Hindu presence in modern-day Afghanistan, Jammu & Kashmir, and even parts of Central Asia, there was considerable cultural exchange and Hindu influence in parts of the Tang Empire. For instance, the Tang dynasty, tightened restrictions and punishments for cow-slaughter. While Taoist, the Tang Empire promoted Buddhism heavily influenced by traditional Chinese religions, and many in the empire viewed India as a holy land, both as the birthplace of the Buddha, as well as the home of Brahmins, who were thought to be wise and magical men. These are attested to in the below two snippets.
Liu Yuxi lived between 772CE – 842CE, a philosopher and descendant of the Xiongnu people, who made raids in East and Central Asia for centuries. Additionally, Brahmins were often serving in high-level educational posts within the Tang Dynasty, especially in astronomy.