The decline of Yogacara (also known as Yogācāra) in China for nearly ten centuries until the late Qing dynasty can be attributed to several factors:
Intellectual Trends: Chinese intellectual trends shifted over time, leading to changes in philosophical preferences. While Yogacara enjoyed popularity during certain periods, such as the Tang dynasty, other philosophical systems, such as Confucianism and Neo-Confucianism, gained prominence in subsequent centuries. These shifts in intellectual trends marginalized Yogacara teachings.
Integration with Other Buddhist Schools: Yogacara philosophy, which focuses on the nature of consciousness and the mind, was absorbed and integrated into other Buddhist schools, such as Tiantai and Huayan. As a result, distinctively Yogacara doctrines became less pronounced as they merged with broader Buddhist thought.
Political Changes: Political instability and changes in dynastic rule in China affected the patronage of Buddhist institutions. During periods of conflict and upheaval, support for Buddhist monasteries and schools waned, leading to a decline in the propagation of Yogacara teachings.
Social and Cultural Influences: Changes in social and cultural norms also played a role in the decline of Yogacara. As Chinese society evolved, new religious movements and philosophical currents emerged, challenging the dominance of traditional Buddhist schools like Yogacara.
Foreign Invasions and Cultural Disruption: Periodic invasions and disruptions by foreign powers, such as the Mongols and Manchus, disrupted the cultural landscape of China. These invasions often led to the suppression of Buddhist institutions and the destruction of Buddhist texts, contributing to the decline of Yogacara and other Buddhist schools.
Loss of Transmission and Scholarship: The transmission of Yogacara teachings relied heavily on a lineage of masters and disciples. With the decline of Buddhist monastic communities and the loss of scholarly networks, the systematic study and propagation of Yogacara doctrines diminished over time.
Revival in the Late Qing Dynasty: Despite the decline of Yogacara in China for several centuries, there was a resurgence of interest in Buddhist philosophy during the late Qing dynasty. Scholars and practitioners began to rediscover and reevaluate Yogacara teachings, leading to a revival of interest in this school of thought.
Overall, the decline of Yogacara in China can be understood within the broader context of historical, intellectual, political, and cultural changes that shaped Chinese society over the centuries. Despite its decline, Yogacara continues to influence Buddhist thought and practice, both in China and around the world.
