The Authenticity of Guanjing from the perspective of Cultural Exchange

Abstract

This study, which considers the exchange that occurs between civilisations, attempts to re-examine the question pertaining to the authenticity of sutra. The Guanjing [Guan Wulingshou jing 觀無量壽經 Skt. Amitāyur Dhyāna Sūtra; Contemplation Sūtra], which is an influential Buddhist text, immensely facilitated the first transmission of Zen Buddhism that occurred during the Middle Ages, and it promoted the spread of the Pure Land thought. Because of the modern academic research on the Chinese Buddhist Apocrypha, the discussion pertaining to the authenticity of the Guanjing has become prominent, and for more than half a century, issues pertaining to the place in which it was compiled, the time of its establishment and the absence of the Sanskrit and Tibetan texts have received research attention. Buddhist texts have spread from India to China. If a general literature and linguistics perspective is adopted, the availability of a sutra in the original Indian language becomes a criterion for determining its reliability and authenticity. In addition, the translator, the place in which the translation occurred, the time of translation and the relationship with similar scriptures are all significant factors that can determine whether a sutra is an allegedly forged manuscript.

Contribution: This article contributes to the understanding of the authenticity and counterfeit nature of Guanjing through a civilisational exchange perspective. This study differs from previous thinking only in terms of Sinicized sects, and the article analyses the possible Indian and Central Asian sources of the text, pointing out the forms in which the Guanjing and Ajātaśatru are reflected.