Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v2.c10.s2.t17.3

v2.c10.s2.t17.3

Though legendary, *The Biography of Bodhisattva Asvaghosa*, translated into Chinese in the early 5ᵗʰ century CE by the reputed Kumarajiva, still contains some information about the life of Asvaghosa. Generally, he is believed to be born in a Brahmin family in Saketa in northern India, have a profound literary learning and live from about late 1ˢᵗ century CE to early 2ⁿᵈ century CE. Originally, he was a follower of Brahmanism, but after debate with Parsva, he was convinced, and he converted to Buddhism and became a monk. He belonged to Sarvastivada and Theravada, but also entertained burgeoning Mahayana thoughts. He was smart, eloquent and good at debate, and was a treasure of the nation. Later, Kusana (a kingdom founded by a sect of Xiao Yuezhi, a sect of Da Yuezhi) came to besiege the central kingdom and demanded the Buddha’s begging bowl and Asvaghosa, who was well versed in sutras and travelled to preach and persuade the people. His preaching was eloquent and edifying, and those hearing it all felt enlightened.