Buddhist Masters of Modern China

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In the West, relatively little is known about how contemporary Chinese Buddhists live and practice their faith. As the global relevance of the Dharma grows—and as China’s economic and political influence continues to expand—interest has deepened in understanding how Buddhist traditions have endured and evolved in the country that once nurtured so many of them. In Buddhist Masters of Modern China, editor Benjamin Brose introduces readers to influential figures and their core teachings, presenting a rich tapestry of spiritual life in China.

Through eight biographical essays—each authored by a leading scholar of East Asian spirituality—the volume examines prominent figures from Buddhist traditions, including Chan, Huayan, and Pure Land. The inclusion of translated primary texts following each profile strengthens the book’s utility as both a scholarly and pedagogical resource.

The featured teachers lived and taught between the fall of the Qing dynasty in 1911 and the founding of the People’s Republic in 1949, a turbulent period of war, social change, and cultural transformation. The essays illuminate not only the teachers’ spiritual insights but also the historical challenges they faced. As a student of Buddhism, I especially valued the life stories of Xuyun, Laiguo, Benkong, and others whose teachings still resonate today. This volume illuminates how modern Chinese Buddhist leaders shaped contemporary practice and will be of value to both historians of religion and engaged Buddhist practitioners.

Editor's Note: This review was originally published in Chicago Book Review.