Great Anti-Buddhist Persecution

The Great Anti-Buddhist Persecution initiated by Tang Emperor Wuzong reached its height in the year 845 AD. Among its purposes were to appropriate war funds and to cleanse China of foreign influences. As such, the persecution was directed not only towards Buddhism but also towards other religions, such as Zoroastrianism, Nestorian Christianity, and Manichaeism.

Quotes

• The hostile wrath of Confucianism toward Buddhist monasteries led to Emperor Wu Tsang's campaign of annihilation in the year 844. But Confucianism primarily justifies itself by the argument that the monasteries distracted people from useful work.
  • Max Weber, Religion of China (1915), as translated by H., H. Gerth (1951), p. 159