Chinese Buddhism reached its peak during the Tang Dynasty. Although the emperors of the Tang Dynasty claimed that they were the descendants of Lao Zi, the founder of Taoism, and that they honored and revered Taoism, they actually promoted both Buddhism and Taoism at the same time. Emperor Tai received assistance from the Sangha "armies" when he was uniting the nation. After he ascended the throne, he gave orders to build temples at all the battlefields, to establish a translation institute at Da Ci En (Great Kindness) Monastery, and to invite lofty Sangha members from all over the nation and abroad to translate Sutras and promote Buddhism. A great number of lofty Sangha scholars thus came forth. After Emperor Gao ascended the throne, he established an official monastery in the imperial capital and all the provinces to pray for the nation's safety and peace. Empress Wu Zetian further ordered each province to establish a Da Yun (Great Cloud) Monastery. Throughout the Tang Dynasty, Sangha members were treated with respect, and many presents were bestowed upon them. The Venerable Bu Kong (Not Empty) had been a royal official for Emperors Xuan, Xu, and Dai. He was a frequent visitor to the royal palace during three reign periods and was given the title Duke of Fu Guo. After the Venerable Bu Kong entered the stillness, Emperor Dai was absent from the imperial court for three days to express his mourning.

Many eminent monks lived during the Tang Dynasty. The propagation of Buddhist teachings during the Tang Dynasty surpassed that of preceding dynasties in both depth and scope. Therefore, a philosophical foundation was firmly established for the development of many sects with ethnically Chinese characteristics. Buddhism was deeply absorbed into the popular culture. In the fields of architecture, sculpture, painting, music, and the translation of Sutras, Buddhism also exerted great influence and led to the development of new styles of literature.

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