Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v1.c4.s2.19

v1.c4.s2.19

In the 4^th century CE, Kumarajiva was a representative of such pilgrims. At the age of nine, he went from Kucha with his mother to study dharma in India and began the return journey at the age of 12. In 385 CE, he arrived in Liangzhou (now Wuwei of Gansu Province). In 401 CE, Yao Xing, the Emperor of Later Qin (366～416 CE), invited him to Chang'an and gave him the status of Teacher of the State. Thereafter, Kumarajiva settled in Chang'an, translating sutras and setting up a translation workshop. He translated more than 300 volumes of sutras, accepted disciples and preached Buddhist texts, with 3,000 followers.