As early as in Han Dynasty, Buddhism, originated from ancient India, had been introduced to China. During its development in China, Buddhism had to constantly adapt itself to the actual conditions in China, so as to become one of the most important religions and to deeply influence upon thoughts and living habits of the majority of Chinese.

Sui and Tang dynasties are important periods for the localization of Buddhism in China. In this period, with the unity of country, the development of the economy, more and more frequent exchange of culture, the study of Buddhism reached an unprecedented height. In Tang Dynasty, the state put forward the policy that Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism would coexist. In the process of amalgamation of Buddhism and Chinese traditional culture, Buddhism had absorbed the thought of Confucianism and Taoism and therefore some Chinese schools emerged, amongst which Zen if considered to be full of vitality. The speculative philosophy of Buddhism made up the shortage of directness and simplicity of the traditional ideology, and enriched Chinese culture.