Chronology of the Early History of Buddhism in China

Date

Event

62 CE

Emperor Ming Ti's dream. Mission to India; Indian monk in Luoyang translates "Sutra of 42 Sections."

150

An-shi-kau, a Parthian (?) noted as being an excellent translator.

250

Turfan monk Chi-Meng translates "Rules of Priesthood."

255

First Chinese translation of "Lotus Sutra."

260 ff.

Dharmaraksha, born in a Yue-chi family in Dunhuang, travels in Inner Asia learning numerous languages; settles in Luoyang where presides over translation of some 165 Buddhist books, including "Nirvana Sutra," Chapter 25 of "Lotus Sutra." Major contributor to making Mahayana texts intelligible in Chinese. Among other noteworthy translations in period, the Futianjing ("Teaching of the Buddha Concerning the Various Activities to Cultivate Merit Fields"), by Fali and Fajü.

300

Translations by a non-Chinese monk of Vimalakirti and Lotus Sutras.

306

Translation by An Faqin of the Ashokavadana ("Legend of King Ashoka").

311

Sack of Luoyang, just as important missionary monk from Kucha, Fo-t'u-teng arrives to become a translator.

ca. 335

Influence in China of Indian monk Buddhasinha; for first time becomes legal for ordinary people to take Buddhist monastic vows.

ca. 350

In Luoyang alone, some 42 pagodas.

366

Earliest documentation of cave at Dunhuang.

late 4th-early 5th c.

Hui-yüan (334-416) active in Nanjing; popularized idea of salvation through Amitabha Buddha, laying foundations for "Pure Land" sect.

400-413

Faxian's journey to India and back.

401-413

Famous translator Kumarajiva, from Kucha, worked at Ch'ang-an. Among many translations were "Vimalakirti Sutra" and "Lotus Sutra" (in the year 406).

ca. 416-418

Faxian and his Indian collaborator translate Mahaparinirvana Sutra in Ch'ang-an. Period when Northern Liang ruler was major patron of Buddhism and sponsored creation of major cave shrines.

424-442

Translation of "Visualization Sutras" by Kalayasas (emphasis on visualization of Western Paradise of Amitabha).

446-452

Persecution of Buddhism in north.

502-549

Emperor Wu of Liang dynasty in south, important patron of Buddhism. Took Buddhist vows himself; in 504 ordered elite to abandon Daoism and practice Buddhism; in 517 decreed destruction of Daoist temples.

518

Song Yun (from Dunhuang) and Huisheng sent to India by dowager Empress of the Wei; they returned with 175 books.

520

Arrival of Indian monk Bodhidharma, important in developing Chan Buddhism, with emphasis on meditative discipline (intersects with Daoism).

ca. 530

Huijiao compiles "Biographies of Eminent Monks," containing (among other items) tales about miraculous Buddhist icons.

574-578

Persecution of Buddhism.

581

Establishment of Sui dynasty (581-617), which soon unifies China. Beginning of period (continuing into subsequent T'ang dynasty, 618-907) of great flourishing of Buddhism as "state religion." Period of construction of some of most impressive caves at Dunhuang.

629-645

Xuanzang's journey.

ca. 640

Commentary on "Visualization Sutra" by Shandao (613-681), emphasizing ability of all believers to enter Western paradise (an example being Queen Vaihedi) and filial piety as a Buddhist virtue.

2nd half 7th c.

Building of Big Wild Goose Pagoda in Ch'ang-an.

690-705

Usurper Empress Wu identifies herself with Buddha of the Future, Maitreya; sponsors carving of the giant Buddha statue in Cave 96 at Dunhuang.

787-851

Tibetan occupation of Dunhuang.

842-845

Persecution of Buddhism in central regions of China.

851-1035

Chang (Zhang) and then Cao (Ts'ao) family prominence and patronage of Buddhism at Dunhuang.