Society and Buddhism on the Northern Route: Kucha

200 BCE-800 CE

*Kucha (Chinese: Qiuci)

Xiongnu vassal kingdom

176-101 BCE

Han Dynasty Garrison and Governor-general

60 BCE

Population of 81,000

“China” Divided

Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220 CE)

Three Kingdoms (220-80)

Jin (265-317)

Northern Dynasties

16 Kingdoms (311-386)

Northern Wei (386-534)

Buddhist Monastery Network

Oasis cave monasteries

*Bamian

*Kizil

*Dunhuang

Kizil cave frescos

*Jataka

Buddha Lighting Way for Merchants

Cave temples

Statues

Worship and meditation

Contribution of Oasis Monasteries to Spread of Buddhism, 4th-9th c.

Way stations for missionaries and pilgrims

Resident monks

Cultural bridge

Centers of learning

Translations

Kizil (Kucha)

*Kumarajiva (344-414)

Kuchean (Tocharian A)

Sanskrit

Chinese

Role of Warfare and State Patronage to Spread of Buddhism, 4th-9th c.

*Cakravartin ideology

“Wheel-turning king”

Translation projects in Chang’an

Kumarajiva served Later Qin (384-417)

N. Wei (386-534) Capital at Pingcheng (Datong)

Taiwudi “Great Martial Emperor,” (r. 424-52)

Conquered N. Liang in Gansu in 439

Monastery Caves at Yungang

Caves and Colossal Buddha at Yungang

Established in 454 CE

Outside N. Wei capital at Pingcheng (modern Datong)

Discussion: Buddhism at Kucha: Hansen 94-124, 129-35 (docs. 14-15)

What can we learn about the practice of Buddhism from documents 14 and 15?

1. What is the Buddhist message of the tale of the Monkey King? What audience does it appeal to? Does the message seem to be closer to Theravada (Hinayana) or Mahayana teaching?

2. What is the Buddhist message of the tale of the artisan and artist? What audience does it appeal to? Does the message seem to be closer to Theravada (Hinayana) or Mahayana teaching?