Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v2.c10.s1.t7.1

v2.c10.s1.t7.1

Buddhist Literature in India (or Indian Buddhist Literature) refers to a literary phenomenon and works in ancient Indian Buddhist literature. When Sakyamuni founded Buddhism, he had to preach in an expressive way and often use metaphors, folk tales and real examples to make his followers understand and accept his teachings. Literature became a tool of his mission. After his death, his disciples collected his teachings to form the earliest Buddhist texts. In later generations, Indian Buddhists kept refining, enriching and enlarging them to an increasing number and complexity. Buddhist texts varied from area and time and have been written in Sanskrit, Pali, in proverbs etc. Texts compiled in later generations still made full use of literary tools, and included many literary pieces which are called “Buddhist literary works of India”.