Buddhist literature

Author: Chen Yinchai
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-08-01
Features: Buddhism is not only a profoundly influential religious trend but also a rich cultural tradition with abundant artistic elements from its very inception: poetic hymns, narrative literature, sculptures, murals, temples, grottoes, and more. In the East, it forms a vibrant and colorful world that contrasts with the Western Christian artistic tradition. This book will guide readers to explore the artistic realm of Buddhist culture through a literary lens, from India to China, from ancient times to the modern era: you might not imagine that behind strict precepts lie equally passionate emotions, you might be surprised that so many familiar words, idioms, storylines, and literary figures actually originate from Buddhism, and you might finally understand that the face of Chinese literature would have been entirely different without the influence of Buddhism.