The academic seminar on "Wang Yangming and Jiuhua Mountain – 2026 Chinese Excellent Traditional Culture Immersing Buddhism" represents a significant event in China's ongoing efforts to shape its cultural and religious landscape. Held in Jiuhua Mountain, a site deeply revered in Buddhist tradition, the gathering brought together a diverse group of over a hundred scholars, experts, and Buddhist leaders. This convergence underscores the strategic importance placed on the intellectual and spiritual integration of traditional Chinese thought with religious practices, particularly Buddhism, within the contemporary national context. The discussions were not merely academic but were framed within the broader national agenda of cultural confidence and the construction of a modern Chinese civilization.

Wang Yangming's Legacy

Central to the seminar's discourse was the enduring philosophical legacy of Wang Yangming, a prominent Ming Dynasty philosopher whose "philosophy of mind" (Xinxue) and concept of "unity of knowledge and action" (Zhixing Heyi) have profoundly influenced Chinese thought. His historical connection to Jiuhua Mountain, marked by three documented visits, provides a tangible link for exploring the historical interplay between Confucianism and Buddhism. Scholars at the seminar delved into how Yangming's ideas can inform a deeper understanding of the ideological integration between these two major intellectual traditions. This exploration seeks to unearth contemporary value from ancient wisdom, demonstrating how classical Chinese philosophy can contribute to modern cultural development.

Jiuhua Mountain's Significance

Jiuhua Mountain itself holds immense cultural and religious significance, recognized as the Bodhimanda of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva. Its rich Buddhist heritage and the story of Jin Qiaojue (Ksitigarbha) are presented as prime examples of how Buddhist beliefs have historically integrated with indigenous Chinese culture, particularly the deeply ingrained value of filial piety. The seminar utilized Jiuhua Mountain's extensive historical and cultural resources as a "precious historical mirror" to reflect on the process of cultural immersion. By examining this site, participants aimed to draw wisdom from its inclusive spirit, showcasing Chinese civilization's capacity for "embracing all rivers and accommodating all streams."

Sinicization of Buddhism

A core theme permeating the seminar was the "Sinicization of Buddhism," a policy initiative aimed at aligning Buddhist doctrines and practices with Chinese cultural characteristics and socialist core values. Speakers, including Master Huiqing, Vice President of the Buddhist Association of China, explicitly called for guiding Buddhist culture with socialist core values and enhancing the "five identifications" (with the motherland, the Chinese nation, Chinese culture, the Communist Party of China, and socialism with Chinese characteristics). This strategic direction seeks to ensure that Buddhism in China continues its two-thousand-year history of integration with local culture, but now within a framework that supports national unity and the building of a "cultural strong nation" and a "modern Chinese civilization." The seminar provided a platform for scholars and religious leaders to discuss practical and theoretical pathways for this ongoing cultural and religious adaptation.