东汉魏晋南北朝佛教慈善的滥觞与发展

On the rise of Buddhism and charities during Wei,Jin,Southern and Northern dynasties

东汉魏晋南北朝是中国慈善史上的一个重要时期。佛教的慈善思想、慈善活动均肇始于东汉,之后在魏晋至南北朝形成佛教发展的第一个高潮,佛教慈善亦逐步兴盛。佛教慈善思想主要是佛教的慈悲精神、因果报应学说和福田思想,这些思想在佛教的传播过程中与中国传统文化的类似理念相融合,构成了佛教慈善活动的动力机制和直接起因。在此基础上,佛寺、僧侣和信徒广泛开展慈善活动,涉及慈善宣传、救济贫乏、施医恤病、赈济灾荒、建义井和救济狱囚等诸多方面,在这一动荡时期对缓和社会矛盾和稳定社会秩序产生了一定效果。

Wei,Jin,Southern and Northern dynasties are hugely known for the first flourishing of Buddhist charity that originates and develops in Eastern Han.Buddhist charity is made up of mercy,causeeffect and benevolence,which merges with Chinese traditional culture.All this becomes direct cause and motivation to Buddhist charities.Monks and Buddhist believers perform such activities as benevolent dissemination,relief,medicaid,rescue,building wells and assisting prisoners.Social stability is maintained despite the historical chaos.