Monastic learning and private education: the knowledge fostering and transmission network centered around Buddhist temples in Medieval China

ABSTRACT Monastic learning shows the feature of openness, inclusiveness and fluidity. Its diverse curriculum included not only Buddhist learning, but also the studies of languages, logics, medicine and pharmacy as well as secular knowledge such as various craftsmanship. Monasteries everywhere naturally became the optimal place for storing all sorts of knowledge and for facilitating the exchange between the secular and sacred knowledge, and for promoting their transmission. The ‘fluidity’ refers to the versatile nature of monastic learning which emphasizes the importance of studying away from one’s home monastery. Monastic learning is also international. As Buddhism transmitted all around Asia, sacred and secular knowledge that originated from different parts of Asia was also able to circulate widely in the continent.