Epithets of the Buddha (evidence from the sutra “The King of Auspicious Wishes”)
Abstract
The article considers translations of epithets of Shakyamuni Buddha with evidence from the sutra “The King of Auspicious Wishes” – in Chinese, Mongolian and Oirat Buddhist traditions. All the mentioned epithets etymologically stem from Sanskrit, i.e. the language used to record the original text of the Avatamsaka Sutra, “The King of Auspicious Wishes” being a part of the latter. In Chinese tradition, there are two forms of epithets of the Buddha – a Sanskrit calque and Chinese translation; while the Mongolian epithets are word-for-word translations.
A comparative analysis of the translations reveals that despite the fact the two forms of Buddhism developed in different times and conditions, it introduced no significant influence on the canonical literature, including the translation of the cue names and basic concepts.
About the Author
G. KorneevRussian Federation
Junior Research Associate, Department of Written Monuments, Literature and Buddhist Studies
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Review
For citations:
Korneev G. Epithets of the Buddha (evidence from the sutra “The King of Auspicious Wishes”). Mongolian Studies. 2016;8(2):128-135. (In Russ.)