Record of the Origin and Development of Han Buddhism

Author: Gongbojia
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-09-01
Features: The main content of A Record of the Origin of Buddhism in the Han Area consists of three points: First, it briefly explains the mountains, rivers, lakes, and seas, population geography, and administrative divisions of the homeland, thereby praising the splendid landscape of the motherland. It then outlines the long history of China from the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors to the Shunzhi era of the Qing Dynasty. Second, it describes the state of Buddhism that has been passed down in the Han area. Third, in the 22nd year of the Yuan era (1285 AD), eminent monks and scholars from both the Han and Tibetan ethnic groups gathered in the capital of the Yuan Dynasty to meticulously review and verify Buddhist Tripitaka scriptures written in the two different languages. They examined and annotated differences, omissions, and discrepancies, then compiled an index, resulting in the ten-volume Buddhist scripture catalog known as A Comprehensive Catalog of Buddhist Texts Verified during the Zhiyuan Era. In summary, this book is a symbol of cultural exchange among ethnic groups and national unity in China.