On The Buddhism In Later Qin Centring Sutra Translation

Though Later Qin of the Sixteen Kingdoms (384-417) just existed for more than 30 years, the Buddhism in that time plays an important role in Buddhism history in China because of the sutra translations. These sutra translations embodied and pushed forward the prosperity of Buddhism. At the same time the development of Chinese Buddhism Philosophy and Chengshi, Sanlun, Luelun and Tiantai fractions in the Northern and Southern Dynasties are all under the influence of the sutra translations in Later Qin. Started with the history background of the Buddhism development in Later Qin, this thesis focuses on buddhist translators and the translated sutras analyzing the relationship between the rulers and Buddhism, Chang'an Buddhist Group, sutra translation organizations, monk official system and the influence of Buddhism on Grottoes art so that the physiognomy of Buddhism at the time is hoped to be reappeared.This present thesis consists of three chapters.Chapter 1 introduces the prosperity of Buddhism in Later Qin of the Sixteen Kingdoms from three perspectives:the influence from former dynasties, Yaoxing's Buddhism worship, and the emergence of Chang'an Buddhist Group. Simultaneously, 38 Buddhists was analyzed based on the related historical materials in the study of the Chang'an Buddhist Group in which Kumarajiva was the key figure. It is found that these eminent monks pushed forward the prosperity of Buddhism in Later Qin, and had far-reaching influence on the development of Buddhism in the Northern and Southern Dynasties (420-589) as well.Chapter 2 is the body of this study. The discussion is started with the lives of Kumarajiva, Zhu Fonian,Puyatura,Buddjayasas, Dharmayas. Then, the paper decodes 44 sutras such as:Diamond Sutra, the Dharma-flower Sutra, Vimalakirtinirdesa Sutra, Great Treatise on the Perfection of Wisdom, Bodhisattva Being Foetus Sutra, Sarvastivada-vinaya, and Long Agama Sutra. The study of each eminent monk is conducted from the following perspectives:the number of the translated sutras, the present situation of translated sutras, different translations of the same sutra, translation background, context structure and main ideas of the sutra, commentary and sub-commentary to sutra and the translated sutra's influence.The historical significance of Buddhism development in Later Qin and the relationship between Buddhism and Maiji Mountain and Bingling Grottoes are analyzed in Chapter 3. The historical significance is embodied in the establishment of Buddhist official system and the sutra translations in the time. It is concluded that the Buddhism development in Later Qin resulted in the building of Maiji Mountain Grotto and influenced the Buddhism statues and frescoes in Maiji Mountain and Bingling Grottoes.