Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v1.c7.s4.t2.28

v1.c7.s4.t2.28

**Life of Kumārajīva** - According to volume 2 of *Biographies of Eminent Monks* and volume 14 of *Collected Records Concerning the Tripitaka*, Kumārajīva was an Indian by origin born in Qiuci (now Kuqa, Xinjiang). His ancestors were from a Brahmin family and his family took the minister position for generations. His grandfather was of uninhibited personality, outstandingly charming and well-known all around. His father, Kumārāyana, was honest and clever, not admiring vanity, and a highly valued reputation and disguised official’s position. When it came to his inheritance, he unexpectedly abandoned the family and travelled far to the east, climbing over Cong Ridge (now the Pamirs) and reaching Qiuci. King of Qiuci had long heard of his name, personally went out of the city-wall to meet him and then worshipped him as the royal priest. The king’s sister Jīvaka was extremely intelligent who could recite after hearing once. Although many princes and dukes proposed marriage to her, she firmly refused them. After Kumārāyana came, she fell in love with him at first sight and wished to marry him. The king also made every effort to facilitate the marriage. After Jīvaka and Kumārāyana got married, Kumārajīva was born. Not long after that Jīvaka joined the nunnery. At that time, Qiuci was one of the Buddhism in the east of Cong Ridge, and *Mahayana* and *Theravada* believes coexisted, but with *Theravada* taking the predominant position. Kumārajīva followed his mother and became a monk at the age of seven, and followed a teacher to learn sutra. He exhibited extraordinary talent in his study. He could not only recite a 1,000 verses, but had fast and in-depth understanding and mastering of the doctrines.