Buddhism · Texts & transmission
Kumarajiva begins a major translation era
401 CE
Kumarajiva came to Chang’an and received the support of the ruler Yao Xing. His translations helped make major Buddhist scriptures and Madhyamaka arguments accessible in Chinese. This work belonged to an expanding network connecting Central Asian teachers, Chinese patrons, and communities of readers.
Why it matters
Translation shaped the vocabulary and possibilities of East Asian Buddhist thought; it involved interpretation and collective learning as well as movement between languages.
About the date
Arrival in Chang’an under Yao Xing; translation continued after this year.
Xi’an / Chang’an
Historical capital where the translation activity was based.
city orientation
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