Principles of soft power and stratagems in the period of penetration and development of Buddhism in China

The article is devoted to the principles of soft power and stratagems during the Han Dynasty, when Buddhism spread and developed in ancient China. In the 1st century AD Buddhism penetrated into China, becoming the first foreign teaching, and the process of its long adaptation and spread began. It is emphasized that the clash of Buddhism with local traditions and opposition complicated the process of sinicization. Buddhism entrenched during the Wei and Jin eras, and it is resulted in the emergence of Buddhist schools such as Tiantai, Huayan, Chan and Jingtu. The penetration of Buddhism into China occurred during a political and economic crisis, which contributed to the search for spiritual and moral support. The Yellow Turban Rebellions and the division of the Han Dynasty into three kingdoms led to chaos and instability in the country, which created a favorable environment for the spread of Buddhism. It is shown that Buddhism successfully adapted to Chinese traditions, applying the principles of stratagems and soft power. It has been revealed that the spread of Buddhism in China was associated with complex historical and cultural factors, and its successful introduction into the country was a result of using stratagems and soft power.