Revisiting the Social Functions of Buddhist Monasteries in Contemporary Guangdong: A Specific Reference to Chaozhou Kaiyuan Si

Abstract

Buddhist monasteries in China have historically fulfilled four main functions: spirituality, education, charity, and culture. These functions have varied significantly over time and have been influenced by changing sociopolitical contexts. While existing scholarship has explored the societal roles of these monasteries, less attention has been given to the fluid and dynamic interplay between these functions. Moreover, the extent to which certain monasteries emphasized specific roles due to their strategic location remains understudied. This study examines the contemporary functions of Buddhist monasteries in Guangdong Province, focusing on Kaiyuan Si (Monastery of the Kaiyuan Era) in Chaozhou. Fieldwork was conducted from March to May 2023, including participation in religious observances and ceremonies. Surveys of 100 laypersons attending monastery programs assessed religiosity, while in-depth interviews with five senior residential monks, two of whom oversee the monastery's charity foundation, provided further insights. Archival materials and unpublished memoirs were also reviewed. Findings indicate that Kaiyuan Si operates as more than a religious center. Its educational programs, emphasizing Buddhist philosophy and traditional Chinese arts, overshadow its spiritual role. A notable feature is a Thai Buddhist temple adjacent to Kaiyuan Si, modeled after Bangkok's Wat Benchamabophit Dusit Wanaram. Donated by Thai-Chinese tycoon Mr. Pricha Phisittkasem (Xie Huiru, 1913–1997) to honor his ancestors, this temple symbolizes Chinese-Thai cultural exchange. However, its presence also serves as a tool for China's public diplomacy with Thailand. This study argues that long-standing Buddhist monasteries in China, such as Kaiyuan Si, increasingly adopt secular roles. Their activities and architectural designs align with traditional Chinese culture, reflecting a shift from religious to cultural and diplomatic functions. These findings highlight how Buddhist monasteries in contemporary China are recontextualized within broader cultural and geopolitical frameworks.