The rapid spread of Buddhism in China in the centuries following the fall of the Han Dynasty is a testimony both to its wide appeal and to the support it received from Chinese elites. In an age of chaos and uncertainty, Buddhism’s message of compassion and its direct engagement with the problem of human suffering resonated with many people, rich and poor, male and female. While this intrinsic appeal was essential to Buddhism’s success, it was not the only important factor in the establishment of Chinese Buddhism. The financial and political support of elites was also critical. Without such support, it would not have been possible to build and maintain the thousands of Buddhist temples and monasteries that had sprung up by the end of the fifth century. The importance of elite patronage is underscored by the consequences of the withdrawal of that support under the Tang Dynasty. While Buddhism itself survived Tang-era persecution, the Buddhist monastic establishment was dealt a blow from which it never recovered. As you read the documents included here, think about the factors that shaped the changing place of Buddhism in Chinese society. What role did social, economic, and political factors play in this context?