First, we must fully learn and understand Chinese Buddhist music. When compiled the “Top 10 literature, art and record collections”, because of the historical limitations, Buddhist music had not been enough valued, it was only collected in some key areas with purpose, and even the collecting result had been compiled into Chinese folk instrumental works collection. So now a complete research for Buddhist music is strongly recommended. Maybe we can find some “living” heritages of Buddhist music existing among Chinese traditional music through this research.

Second, we need to do deep research and summary the schools and styles of Buddhist music and their historical reasons of formation and development tracks. And we need to be able to describe the Chinese Buddhist music history, so as to get a rational understanding for Buddhist music, and supply a gap for the history of Chinese music.

Third, and the most important thing is that our investigation and research results should recombine with the Buddhism and produce more Buddhist music, make the Buddhist ceremonies more various and artistic. Thus, Buddhist music can really live on in its original way, and the Buddhist ceremonies can finally become artworks, for achieving the purpose of publicizing the Buddhism.

To spread and develop Buddhism is important. But if without clear understanding for the traditions and disciplines, the development will be leaves without figs. Buddhist music needs to be developed, but rescue is more important and urgent in current situation.

[1] Biography of Great Monks, Shi Hui (Liang Dynasty), Zhong Hua Press, 1st version of 1992: Vol 13.

[2] Ya Xin, Music of Temple, 1995, compiled by Chengdu Branch of Chinese Musicians Association

[3] Han Jun, Music of Buddhism in Mount Wutai, published by Shanxi People Press

[1]见〔梁〕释慧皎《高僧传》卷十三，中华书局出版，1992年第1版。

[2]亚欣，1955：《寺庙音乐》，中国音乐家协会成都分会编。

[3]韩军，1993年：《五台山佛教音乐》，山西人民出版社出版。

作者简介：

韩军，山西省音乐舞蹈曲艺研究所副所长。