172,789 · about 576 min
*Wulin Fanzhi* (Chronicles of Buddhist Monasteries in Hangzhou) was compiled by the Ming Dynasty literatus Wu Zhijing and completed during the Wanli era, a period marked by the revival of Buddhism in the late Ming and the prevailing trend of literati engaging in Chan practice. This work systematically documents the historical evolution, architectural layout, accounts of eminent monks, and religious activities of renowned Buddhist monasteries in Hangzhou and its surrounding regions, blending characteristics of both local gazetteers and Buddhist historical materials. As an important document for the study of Buddhist geography, monastic economy, and culture in the Jiangnan region during the Ming Dynasty, *Wulin Fanzhi* not only provides invaluable historical data on Buddhism for later generations but also reflects the profound interaction between Buddhism and literati society at the time. It holds an irreplaceable position in both Buddhist historiography and regional cultural studies.