Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v1.c7.54

v1.c7.54

The practice of movement of Indian monks to China, however, continued and their number did not diminish at all. During the period of the Northern Song, there were Fatian (Dharmadeva), a monk from central India, Tian Xizai (Śāntideva), Shihu (Dānapāla) and others. They all were famous eminent monks of that time. They were received by the Song Emperor and the purple robe was bestowed on them. It was arranged for them to translate scriptural texts in the Translation Bureau. There further were Fahu (Dharmapāla), a monk from Kashmir, in northern India, Richeng (Sūryayaśas), a monk from central India, Tian Jixiang, Zhi Jixiang, Jin Zongchi, and others. They also worked in the Translation Bureau. There were also the *śramaṇas* from Mojietuo (Magadha), Bo Taluo and Lifu Riluo, Manshu Shili (Mañjuśrī), *śramaṇa* from central India, Su Getuo, *śramaṇa* from western India, Butuo Chiduo, *śramaṇa* from Nalantuo (Nālandā) Monastery, Jialan Nashandi, *śramaṇa* from northern India, Juejie, *śramaṇa* from central India, and others, more than 80 persons. They propagated the Buddhist doctrine, scattered over other areas. Because of the weakness of the Song, the Xixia (Western Xia), the Liao and the Jin in the North had also established their dynasties around the same time. They also accepted the belief in Buddhism. Some monks who came from India, went to their areas via the Han territory eg, Zongxian, a monk from central India; Cixian, a monk of the esoteric school and Moni (Maṇi), an Indian monk. They served as national preceptors of the Qidan. Sutuo Shili, a monk from the Nālandā Monastery in central India, came sailing to China with his disciple, Fotuo Shili and seven others. They arrived on Mount Wutai in China and paid a respectful visit to the divine remains.