翻譯名義集 3.47

3.47

[India] The Record of the Western Regions says: "Regarding the name Tiānzhú, there have been conflicting opinions. Formerly it was called Shendu, or Xiandou. If we now follow the correct pronunciation, it should be called Yìndù (and so forth). Yìndù means 'moon' in the language of the Tang; the moon has many names, and this is one of them (and so forth). Indeed, because holy and virtuous ones in that land have succeeded one another, guiding mortals and directing beings just as the moon shines down from above, for this reason it is called Yìndù (and so forth). The domain of the Five Indias has a circumference of over ninety thousand li. On three sides it borders the great sea, and on the north it leans against the Snow Mountains; it is broad in the north and narrow in the south, shaped like a half-moon. Divided into territories, there are more than seventy countries. The seasons are exceptionally hot, and the ground is rich with springs and humidity." Chengguangzi said: "From Central India eastward to Cīnasthāna is fifty-eight thousand li; south to Suvarṇabhūmi, west to *Akuñca, and north to Little Mount Gandhamādana and Anavatapta are also each fifty-eight thousand li; thus one knows that it is the Central Country." The Liang Biographies says: "He Chengtian, who was renowned for his broad learning, asked Huiyan: 'What calendar does the Buddha's country use?' [Huiyan] replied: 'In India, on the day of the summer solstice, at exact midday, a vertical gnomon casts no shadow; it is what is called the center of heaven. In the five elements, it corresponds to the virtue of Earth: its color values yellow, its number values five, eight inches make a foot, and ten ounces equal twelve ounces of this land. The month establishing Chen is the start of the year. In calculating equinoxes and solstices, computing eclipses, and observing solar shadows, its methods are exceedingly detailed. The degrees of lunar lodges, cycles, and epochs all have their systematic regulations.' Chengtian had no way to raise an objection. Later, when people from the kingdom of Boli arrived, their accounts indeed agreed with what Yan had said."