Principles of Management Theravada Buddhist temples in China

Abstract

          This article aims to study the principles of managing Theravada Buddhist temples in China by studying relevant documents and research. The study reveals that Theravada Buddhism in China is primarily practiced by ethnic minority groups in a centralized political system, with a distinct cultural divergence from the more dominant Mahayana Buddhism. These factors significantly influence the management of Theravada Buddhist temples in China, presenting challenges such as political constraints, where the government emphasizes control over religious activities within prescribed boundaries; cultural constraints, as the integration of traditional Chinese culture with Theravada Buddhism creates challenges; and administrative issues, as the government often aims to develop temples into cultural tourism destinations. This creates management challenges, including the training of monks and religious leaders, as well as issues with maintenance and funding. Temples must establish dual legitimacy with respect to both state law and the Dhamma–Vinaya, in tandem with an integration strategy that preserves the Theravada disciplinary core, while cultivating bridging social capital through bilingual services, Dhamma-based explication of ritual meanings, and the use of boundary objects to co-construct shared meanings without assimilation. The management of Theravada Buddhist temples in China requires a holistic management approach. This includes systems thinking, where temples operate with a systemic perspective, such as connecting temples with communities, promoting education, and managing resources sustainably; multi-dimensional decision-making, which considers economic, social, and cultural aspects to achieve balanced outcomes; and sustainability, emphasizing the development of sustainable results.