Transmission: Translators and Pilgrims

Review and Historical Context

I. Transmission: Translators and Pilgrims

A. Historical and Geographic Background
B. Eminent Monks of Foreign Descent
C. Translators and the Translation Work
D. Eminent Monks of Han Ethnicity and Pilgrims

Trade Routes and Spread of Buddhism

I. Overview

  • Spread of Buddhism and trade routes in the 1st century CE

  • Map highlights various trade routes and cities associated with Buddhism's spread.

II. Notable Locations and Regions

  • Map Highlights:

    • Countries: Italy, Greece, Libya, Persia, Arabia, etc.

    • Regions: Ghandara, Bactria, Sogdiana, Tarim Basin, etc.

    • Trading Cities: Alexandria, Ctesiphon, Taxila, with illustrations of routes connecting these regions.

III. Trade Goods

  • Goods Traded:

    • Silk yarn, cloth, glassware, spices (e.g. saffron, pepper), and various luxury items.

  • Sogdiana and India: Known for jade, lapis lazuli, and various textiles.

Eminent Monks of Central Asian and Indian Origin

I. Notable Translators

1. Lokaksema

  • Background: First known translator of Buddhist Mahayana scriptures into Chinese circa 170 CE.

  • Ethnicity: Kushan of Yuezhi descent from Gandhara, known for his contributions to early Buddhist doctrine in China.

2. Kang Senghui

  • Methodology: Known for his miraculous ability to produce Buddha relics.

    • Key Contribution: Translated significant jataka tales, contributing to the narrative and educational aspects of Buddhism in Chinese culture.

3. An Shigao

  • Background: A Parthian prince and missionary monk who became the first Buddhist translator recognized in Chinese texts.

  • Contribution: Noted for early Buddhist translations and development of translation methodologies.

4. Kumarajiva

  • Background: Kuchean monk and translator, influential during the 4th to 5th centuries.

  • Notable Translations: “The Great Perfection of Wisdom Sutra,” “The Lotus Sutra,” and various others that are integral to Mahayana Buddhism.

5. Paramārtha

  • Background: Indian monk notable for his contributions to the Chinese translation corpus around the 6th century.

  • Major Works: Translations included Vasubandhu’s works, showcasing his linguistic and doctrinal depth.

Translators and the Translation Work

I. Challenges of Translation

A. Translation Process

  • Early Period (2nd-3rd century): Involved both individual and collaborative translations.

  • Later Period (5th-6th century): Emergence of translation bureaus.

  • Sui and Tang Dynasties (6th-10th century): Structured work division within translation initiatives.

B. Problems in Translation

  • Tension between form and meaning, style and accuracy, presenting continual challenges for translators.

II. Influences of Translation Work

A. Language and Literature

  • Development of new terms and transliterations for Buddhist concepts, enriching both language and literature.

B. Printing Innovations

  • The Diamond Sutra (868 CE), recognized as the world's oldest dated printed book, showcasing the technological advancements in disseminating knowledge.

Pilgrimage to India

I. Reasons for Pilgrimage

  • Acquisition of original texts and direct learning from Indian teachers.

  • Visits to sacred sites associated with the Buddha.

II. Notable Pilgrims

A. Fa Xian

  • Journey and writings impact knowledge of Buddhism’s spread and practice in China.

B. Xuan Zang

  • Significant contributions to the understanding of Indian Buddhist practices and teachings during the Tang dynasty, including tension with existing translations.

C. Yi Jing

  • Notable for maritime route travels to India and detailed accounts of Buddhist practices observed.

Decline of the Dharma

I. Concept Overview

  • Three Ages of Dharma:

    1. True Dharma Age

    2. Semblance Dharma Age

    3. Dharma-Ending Age

  • Discussion of moral decay and issues facing the sustainability of Dharma practices, with a focus on Chinese Buddhism's historical context.

II. Major Persecutions

  • Four major events between the 5th and 10th centuries leading to significant setbacks for Buddhism in China:

    • Persecutors: Emperors Taiwu, Wu, Wuzong, Shizong, and the Cultural Revolution as a significant fifth event.

Terms and Definitions

I. Essential Terms in Buddhism

  • Buddha: Title for one who has attained enlightenment.

  • Bodhisattva: An awakened being on the path to Buddhahood.

  • Emptiness (śūnyatā): Understanding that all phenomena lack inherent, permanent existence.

II. Anatta, Dukkha, Anicca

A. The Three Marks of Existence

  • Anatta: No permanent self.

  • Dukkha: Universal suffering.

  • Anicca: Impermanence of all things.