Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v1.c7.21

v1.c7.21

Buddhist cultural exchange between the two countries was carried out by Buddhist monks who went East or who came from the West. From ancient times, the Silk Road has been an important passage for relations of China with the outside world and for trade. She Moteng and Zhu Falan were the precursors for Buddhist exchanges between India and China. Buddhists have been following the caravans of merchants on this road. The Shijia Fangzhi records: “Before Qin and Zhou people were still simple. They did not go far away. That is why they sent envoys to engage. They were limited to the Divine Land. After Han and Wei, the literacy was widespread. Talents were well-developed and their learning reached farther. Therefore, premises for interpreters were built in Gao street. They went beyond Kongsang and crossed the Kunlun Mountains. They went beyond Jitian and passed Niaoxue. Beyond their region, they could still pursue Lungwen blood-sweating thoroughbred horses. The treasures of bright jewels and of blue kingfisher feathers were brought forward from the horizon. They exhausted their troops and engaged in war. They truly made their troops suffer in Dayuan. They upheld moderation and filled up lakes. They trusted that the king’s commands were without abuse. When Xianzong felt it was auspicious, he established the source of kindness. They served their faith and cherished the path. From then on, it gradually became prosperous. Or noble-mindedness arose in the borderlands and they cast away their lives in the four directions. Or they spread conversions with the law, bringing their policies to the eastern spaces. Or they opened up the teaching track themselves, not going far to look for scriptures. Or they personally went to peruse divine signs and established customs. While this was quite frequent, they also turned to the teaching of Śākyamuni. And so, making a general distinction, the opening up of the spirits generally began during the former Han. Up to the great Tang, several envoys went and came back in succession, about 20 times. Zhang Qian went in search of the source of the Yellow River, something ordinary, but he established the name of the Buddha and then Buddhism began its gradual conversions.”