China: A statue of the Kuchean Buddhist monk Kumarajiva near the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves, Kuqa, Xinjiang Province

Kumārajīva; (pinyin: Jiūmóluóshí) (344–413 CE) was a Kuchean Buddhist monk, scholar, and translator. He first studied the teachings of the Sarvastivada schools, later studied under Buddhasvāmin, and finally became a Mahāyāna adherent, studying the Madhyamaka doctrine of Nagarjuna. He settled in Chang'an (today known as Xi'an). He is mostly remembered for his prolific translation of Sanskrit Buddhist texts into Chinese.

The Kizil Caves (Qizil Ming Oy; Kizil Cave of a Thousand Buddhas) are 236 Buddhist rock-cut caves located near Kizil Township in Xinjiang. The site is located on the northern bank of the Muzat River 75 kilometres by road northwest of Kucha (Kuqa). This area was a commercial hub of the Silk Road.

The caves are said to be the earliest major Buddhist cave complex in Xinjiang, with development occurring between the 3rd and 8th centuries. Although the site has been both damaged and looted, at least 1000 square metres of wall paintings—mostly Jataka stories—remain.

Copyright:

CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Photographer:

David Henley

Credit:

Pictures From Asia