Chinese Department of Buddhist Literature

Author: Hongxue
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-01-01
Features: "Buddhist Literature" has traditionally referred to literary elements such as parables, causal connections, and stories like Jataka tales or biographical accounts, as well as Buddhist texts with literary qualities. Some scholars examine all Buddhist texts from a literary perspective, which may seem overly broad, but upon reviewing the earliest classics—such as the concise aphorisms of the Dhammapada, the story-rich Majjhima Nikaya, or the grand and magnificent Vimalakirti Sutra, Lotus Sutra, and Avatamsaka Sutra—it is undeniable that they all belong to the category of Buddhist texts with strong literary qualities. In fact, many Buddhist texts are highly literary, and the Vinaya (monastic code) also contains many examples. Buddhist thought, concepts, and their sources, as well as methods of expression and language, have had a profound influence on literary creation. Academia has the concept of "Buddhist Literature" or "Buddhist Translation Literature." However, I believe that "Buddhist Literature" has a broader scope, encompassing works by Buddhists that promote Buddhist thought.