Biancai (1011–1091) and his friends in the outside secular world: Longjing Monastery in the Northern Song (960–1127)

The study begins by establishing the importance of mountains and monasteries in Chinese culture, noting their inherent mystical associations and the need for adept leadership to maintain their prominence. It introduces Longjing Monastery, situated in Hangzhou, and its early history, tracing its development from its initial association with the Daoist Ge Hong to its flourishing under Abbot Biancai during the Northern Song. The paper emphasizes that while initial prestige might stem from mythological connections, sustained success requires strategic social engagement and leadership, particularly securing the patronage of the elite.

The paper draws upon various historical sources, including the *Gazetteer of Lin'an of the Xianchun Era*, the *Record of What Was Seen and Heard in Longjing*, and biographical accounts of Biancai and his contemporaries. It also references scholarly works on monastic societies in China, the symbolism of the monk's robe, and the role of poetry in Chan Buddhism. The research utilizes these sources to understand the social and cultural dynamics of the Northern Song, particularly concerning the intersection of religious institutions and secular elite.

The methodology is primarily based on historical research and textual analysis of primary sources such as the *Gazetteer of Lin'an of the Xianchun Era* and the *Record of What Was Seen and Heard in Longjing*. The study meticulously examines Biancai's biography, his poems, and the writings of his contemporaries to understand the nature of his relationships with the secular elite and how these connections contributed to the monastery's renown. The paper carefully interprets the significance of literary works, including poems exchanged between Biancai and his friends, and travelogues documenting visits to Longjing Monastery. It analyzes the role of these literary and artistic contributions in shaping the monastery's image and attracting visitors. The study pays close attention to the context of the writings, considering the political, social, and cultural environment of the Northern Song. The analysis also incorporates insights from existing scholarship on Chinese monastic history, religious practices, and literary traditions.

The study finds that Abbot Biancai's success in elevating Longjing Monastery stemmed from his cultivation of relationships with prominent figures of the time, especially Su Shi, Zhao Bian, and Qin Guan. His remarkable abilities, including his spiritual attainment, perceived “magical powers” (evidenced by the healing of Su Shi’s son), and literary talents, attracted the attention and patronage of these elites. Su Shi's deep admiration for Biancai, as evidenced in his poems and writings, played a significant role in promoting the monastery's reputation. The exchange of poems between Biancai and Zhao Bian further connected Longjing Monastery with prestigious individuals and elevated its status. Qin Guan's travelogue to Longjing, later inscribed on stone by Mi Fu, further contributed to the lasting cultural and historical significance of the site. The paper demonstrates that Biancai’s adept handling of social and political contexts, including navigating a period of conflict with another monk over leadership at Upper Tianzhu, showcased his sophisticated strategies for success.

The findings highlight the importance of strategic social networking and the skillful utilization of cultural capital in achieving success for religious institutions in the context of the Northern Song. Biancai's example suggests that a successful abbot needed not only religious expertise but also the ability to cultivate relationships with influential secular figures and leverage their influence to enhance the monastery's reputation. The integration of religious practice with literary and artistic endeavors played a crucial role in the monastery's lasting appeal. The study also shows that the perception of 'miraculous powers' could significantly boost a monk's reputation and influence. The lasting impact of the literary works and artistic collaborations emphasizes the enduring power of cultural production in shaping historical narratives and influencing cultural perceptions.

This study demonstrates that the enduring fame of Longjing Monastery was not solely attributable to its mystical origins, but was significantly shaped by the actions of Abbot Biancai. By forging strong connections with prominent members of the secular elite, leveraging their literary and artistic talents, and exhibiting both spiritual and 'magical' capabilities, Biancai effectively promoted the monastery, securing its long-term reputation. Future research could explore similar cases of successful monastic leadership in other historical periods and geographical locations to further understand the broader dynamics between religious institutions and secular society.

The study relies primarily on surviving historical records, which may not offer a complete picture of the complex social interactions and motivations of the individuals involved. Some sources may have been subject to biases or interpretations shaped by subsequent historical narratives. The study acknowledges a lack of detailed textual criticism on the primary sources, though it argues such criticism is not essential for the main argument. Further research could be conducted utilizing a broader range of primary sources and applying more detailed textual analysis to deepen our understanding.