Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v2.c10.31

v2.c10.31

**Transformation Text (Bianwen)** The ‘transformation text’ was folk literature created under the influence of Buddhism. Firstly, its inception was because of the popularity of Buddhism: simple and popular language was needed to explain the doctrine of Buddhist scriptures among people. Therefore, monks began to promote Buddhism in simple words. The transformation text was a new literary genre formed on the basis of simple explanation. Secondly, regarding its contents: in the circulated and preserved transformation texts, many were taken from Buddhist scriptures, such as *Mulian Transformation Text*, *Hell Transformation Text*, *Vimalakirti Sutra Transformation Text*. However, some are from historical legends. Thirdly, regarding its literary form: it adopted the verse-prose mixed form, which deeply influenced the subsequent teaching and singing literature and its roots could be found in Buddhist scriptures. Fourthly, the commonly called “transformation text” marked a general reference: it is not limited to Buddhist stories, Chinese historical stories and legends, but also included other contents, such as fables of Swallow Poetry, *On Tea and Wine*, etc. Even transformation texts and fables originating from historic legends in ancient China were also obviously influenced by Buddhism.