An Shigao
China·Sarvāstivāda·Male·2nd century
An Shigao was an early Buddhist missionary and the first known translator of Indian Buddhist texts into Chinese, active in China from approximately 148 to 180 CE. Legend suggests he was a Parthian prince who renounced his royal claim to become a monk and spread Buddhism. His translations, primarily focusing on meditation and basic doctrines, are closely affiliated with the Sarvāstivāda school, though he was also referred to as a "bodhisattva" in early Chinese sources.
Key Facts
- ›Earliest known translator of Indian Buddhist texts into Chinese.
- ›Active in the Han capital of Luoyang from 148 CE.
- ›Legendarily a Parthian prince who became a Buddhist missionary monk.
- ›Translations are primarily affiliated with the Sarvāstivāda school.
- ›Attributed with over a dozen extant works, including texts on meditation and abhidharma.
- ›His disciple was a layman named an Xuan, also an Anxi translator.
Important Relationships
- An Xuan
Chang Ahan Shi Bao Fa Jing, Ren Ben Yu Sheng Jing, Yiqie Liu Sheshou Yin Jing, Si Di Jing, Ben Xiang Yi Zhi Jing, Shi Fa Fei Fa Jing, Lou Fenbu Jing, Pu Fa Yi Jing, Ba Zheng Dao Jing, Qi Chu San Guan Jing, Yin Chi Ru Jing, Dao Di Jing, Ahan Koujie Shi'Er Yinyuan Jing, Za Ahan Jing, Apitan Wu Fa Xing Jing
Luoyang
Sanskrit
Bodhisattva Vows
About An Shigao
An Shigao was a pivotal figure in the early transmission of Buddhism to China, recognized as the first known translator of Indian Buddhist texts into the Chinese language. Active during the late 2nd century CE, he played a crucial role in introducing Buddhist philosophy and practice to a new cultural sphere.
Origins and Legend
According to tradition, An Shigao was born a prince of Parthia, a powerful empire in ancient Persia. The prefix 'An' in his name is believed to be an indicator of his origin from Anxi, the Chinese name for the Parthian territories. Legend holds that he renounced his royal inheritance and the throne to dedicate his life as a Buddhist missionary monk. While his exact origins and historical identity remain subjects of scholarly debate, the stories of his peregrinations across Southern China are often considered part of his hagiography.
Arrival and Work in China
An Shigao migrated eastward and settled in Luoyang, the capital of the Han Dynasty, in 148 CE. There, he established himself as a prolific translator, rendering numerous Indian Buddhist scriptures into Chinese. His translations are noted for their focus on meditation techniques, abhidharma (the systematic analysis of Buddhist teachings), and fundamental Buddhist doctrines. Scholarly analysis of his translated works suggests a strong affiliation with the Sarvāstivāda school of Buddhism, although early Chinese sources also refer to him as a 'bodhisattva,' a term often associated with Mahāyāna traditions.
Notable Translations and Legacy
Over a dozen of An Shigao's translations are still extant today. Scholars like Erik Zürcher and Stefano Zacchetti have worked to identify his authentic works from the extensive corpus attributed to him. These texts, which include important treatises on mindfulness, the Four Noble Truths, and the twelve links of dependent origination, formed a foundational part of the Chinese Buddhist canon. He also influenced other translators; An Xuan, a layman, is recorded as his disciple and also worked as a translator in Luoyang. An Shigao's efforts laid the groundwork for the further development and spread of Buddhism throughout China.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was An Shigao?
An Shigao was an early Buddhist missionary and the first known translator of Indian Buddhist texts into Chinese. He is believed to have been active in China from around 148 to 180 CE.
What is known about An Shigao's origins?
According to legend, An Shigao was a prince of Parthia who renounced his royal claim to serve as a Buddhist missionary monk. The 'An' prefix in his name is believed to indicate his origin from the region of Anxi, which was ruled by the Parthian Empire.
What types of Buddhist texts did An Shigao translate?
An Shigao translated texts dealing with meditation, abhidharma, and basic Buddhist doctrines. While his corpus does not contain Mahāyāna scriptures, scholarly studies suggest his translations are most closely affiliated with the Sarvāstivāda school.
How many of An Shigao's translated works are considered authentic?
Scholarly studies, particularly by Erik Zürcher and Stefano Zacchetti, suggest that out of nearly two hundred attributed translations, only about thirteen to sixteen are reliably ascribed to An Shigao.
Was An Shigao a monk or a layman?
It is unknown whether An Shigao was a monk or a layman. Historical accounts do not definitively record his status in this regard.
Related Buddhists
Aśvaghoṣa
Aśvaghoṣa was a prominent Buddhist philosopher, poet, and dramatist from India, active around the 1st to 2nd centuries CE. He is renowned for being one of the earliest Sanskrit dramatists and for his epic poems, particularly the Buddhacharita, which recounts the life of the Buddha. His writings significantly contributed to Buddhist literature and are noted for their classical Sanskrit composition.
Ashin Thittila
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Dharmaraksita
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