This essay will investigate the impact Buddhism has had on human rights in China. The discussion will focus on the history of Buddhism in China and the Cultural Revolution. Considering how Marxist ideology implemented changes in the religion of Buddhism and social conditions in this country, the use of politics formed the basis for building this essay to analyze the impact of communism on religion, as it pertains to Tibet . The paper will then discuss post-communist society up to the present day, using human rights issues in Beijing and how any changes have been made to implement religious freedom and democracy in China in the current era. To introduce this topic, a consideration will first be made of the history of Buddhism and the way in which it has influenced Chinese society, using the class structure and the cult of the emperor to distinguish Buddhism from other present religions. Buddhism came to China through a slow and gradual process. Confucianism and Taoism where the main philosophy was practiced. Buddhism emerged thanks to Taoist scholars who kindly translated the Buddha's texts, hence the slow process of this religion. Buddhism was recognized to coincide with Taoism, and ambiguous texts complemented each philosophy. Buddhism strengthened in the 4th and 5th centuries and attracted upper-class society. Chan (1957) Buddhism presented a moral code that suited life and instilled great support from the wealthy. Over the following centuries, great monasteries and extravagant architectural displays flourished under the emperor of the Han dynasty; The emperors used the clergy of Buddhism to economically help the flourishing of Buddhist thought. In those days it was known that good deeds led to merit that could be passed on to ancestors or wisdom...... middle of paper ...... attitudes towards Buddhism in Chinese history, Vol 22, The China Quarterly , Cambridge University press, accessed 4/3/2011 King, Sallie, (2009). Socially Engaged Buddhism, University of Hawaii Press, USALiebethal, Walter, (1955). Chinese Buddhism during the 4th and 5th centuries, Monumenta, Nipponica, Sophia University, Vol 11 accessed 22/3/2011. Wing Tsit Chan, (1957). Transformation of Buddhism in China: East and West Philosophy, Vol 7, University of Hawaii press, US accessed 3/22/2011 Zu, Jiping, (1991) The case of the cultural revolution in China, Sociological Analysis, Vol 52, Oxford University Press, Oxford. Accessed 3/28/2011Yu, David, (1971). Buddhism in Communist China, Death or Coexistence, Vol 39, Oxford University press, Journal of the American Academy of Religion, Access, 3/11/2011 Amnesty International (2011), www.amnesty.org/en/China, Access 13/4/2011