What was the result of the imperial attempt by the Tang to suppress Buddhism within the Chinese empire?
a. Buddhism was eradicated in China by the end of the Tang era and replaced by the traditional Daoist and Confucian beliefs.
b. Buddhism survived the repression, but in a reduced state without the political influence of the early Tang years.
c. Buddhism survived the brief imperial persecution and was restored as the primary religion of the state during the Song dynasty.
d. Buddhism became a sect of minor importance but with many followers among the scholar-gentry.
e. Despite official attempts to suppress Buddhism, monastic orders continued to exert political influence and control landed wealth as they did in the first decades of Tang rule.
Answer: B