A brief discussion of Xuanzang's contribution to the Chinese translation history
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5007/2175-7968.2025.e108389Keywords:
Xuanzang, Buddhist scripture translation, Chinese translation historyAbstract
The present article examines Xuanzang’s (602-664 CE) contribution to the history of translation in China, with an emphasis on the transmission and translation of Buddhist scriptures. After a brief overview of Buddhist scripture translation from the Eastern Han dynasty through its decline under the Song, Yuan, and Ming dynasties, the article focuses on the two stages of Xuanzang’s career. The first stage corresponds to his journey to India, undertaken to deepen his philosophical understanding and to master Sanskrit. The second stage corresponds to his return to China, during which he translated a large number of sutras directly from Sanskrit into Chinese over a period of nineteen years. Owing to his practice of revising and correcting earlier versions, his balanced use of both literal and freer translation strategies, and his implementation of a collective work system with specialized role divisions, Xuanzang is credited with inaugurating the “New Translation” era in Chinese history. Regarding the characteristics of his translational practice, it is marked by institutional planning, comparative prudence, linguistic precision, and the retranslation of imperfect texts. These features have exerted a lasting influence on both the translation theory and translation practice in China.
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