Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v1.c7.s8.t3.12

v1.c7.s8.t3.12

**Spread and influence in China:** Vimukti was introduced into China with Buddhism. Chinese translation of *Mahaparinirvana-sutra* and other Buddhism scriptures provide direct discussions on the concept of nirvana of Buddhism, and there are also many discussions on nirvana or liberation in Indian Buddhism. In China, Vimukti in Mahayana is the most prevalent. The understanding of Indian Vimukti by the Chinese mainly refers to being Buddha or enlightenment, which can be reflected from some main sects of Buddhism in China. The dominant one among Chinese Buddhist sects is dhyana, and its *Altar Sutra* puts forward that, “The Buddhadharma is here in the world, enlightenment is not apart from the world”, which shows the basic opinion of Chinese Buddhism on liberation or being Buddha, namely, enlightenment or liberation shall be conducted in the world. Pure land sect advocates some Indian Buddhist scriptures, and takes the rebirth in West Pure Land as the main content of liberation. Other Chinese Buddhist sects often take the realisation of greatest wisdom of Buddhist scriptures as the state of liberation. These thoughts about liberation are widely spread in China and exert a profound influence on Chinese culture.