Kumarajiva, a seer and scholar, widely known for translating Buddhist scriptures from Sanskrit to Chinese played a major role in the dissemination of Buddhism and its philosophical ideas in China. Kritika Dua talks to Shashibala, curator of an art exhibition titled The life and legacy of Kumarajiva based on her research
Kumarajiva was born out of wedlock to a Kashmiri father and a royal princess of Kucha (a kingdom on the Silk Route). Kumarajiva was successful in creating a new terminology for Chinese people because parallels of some Sanskrit terms were not available. He translated the texts and led a strong foundation of Buddhism in China. Major Buddhist scriptures translated by Kumarajiva include Diamond Sutra, lotus Sutra and Brahma Net Sutra among many others. His commentary on Vimalakirtinirdesasutra is important for understanding his thoughts. Through his translations many monk-scholars, philosophers, artists and devotees could seep in the Buddhist philosophy. Murals, reliefs and sculptures et al were created on its basis and a trans-cultural renaissance ushered in East Asia. His legacy has steeped into Japan also. Till date, devotees gather in huge amount and chant sutras translated by him in various temples and monasteries.
The photo exhibition titled The life and legacy of Kumarajiva is like the home coming of this great philosopher where one can see the unadorned landscape of the places he visited, splendid murals from the caves and other sacred objects, manuscripts of sutras and royal personages who were big devouts. The exhibition shows facets of his scholarly journey and episodes that led him to spread teachings of Buddhism. The exhibition was showcased at India International Centre and was curated by Shashibala.
When asked about the inspiration which made her choose Kumarajiva for her research work, Bala recalled, “My father was passionate about inspiring Indians to be aware of their own glorious heritage and history. I read about lives and contributions of great Indian teachers who sacrificed their lives for spreading Indian spirituality and philosophy, secular sciences, systems of administration, language, literature, and arts beyond the political boundaries of India. To establish peace, harmony and kindness and in the course of it enlightening others for preservation and promotion of transcendental values. The world cannot be run without value systems. There was a cultural renaissance in Asian countries.” She added, “Our forefathers have not recorded a large part of the cultural history of India. And if it was done, it could not reach us maybe due to being destroyed (during foreign invasions). Kumarajiva’s life and works have been recorded by many people but our historians have not consulted them. Moreover, this chapter (on Kumarajiva) is not included in our school books. We Indians need to be proud of our cultural history, Sanskrit and its contribution to the world. So I chose to work on outstanding teachers like Kumarajiva and Atisha.”
This profound research work has been the result of forty years of sheer hard work. The exhibition is just a small aspect of it. She conducted her research in 2011 when she organised an international conference combined with an exhibition. Many scholars and institutions cooperated and participated in the conference to present their research papers and sent photos to her. She herself travelled on the Silk Route in search of the heritage. Sharing some of the difficulties she faced, she said, “I have been doing all my research without finding sources for funding. So I have to work under financial pressures. I am not a skilled photographer and there were no sources for paying one. So whatever I have documented from various countries does not have high resolution demanded by many publishers.”
She explained that her work is not for self achievement but for preservation, promotion and dissemination of knowledge about India’s forgotten cultural history. “Many institutions have recognised my research which is done with dedication. At least now I am in a position that they accept the invitation to organise events related to the area. You can say that publication of all my books and research papers in India and abroad is my achievement”, said Bala.
Her work is her passion and her mission is to make people aware of Kumarajiva and his vital contributions to the world. When asked about where does she see herself standing, Bala reflected, “Seeing the level of my own standing is a reflection of ego and self-centeredness which not my aim of life. It is up to others to judge.”
She is happy to see that all the people and scholars from all over the world whom she met during conferences, lectures, teaching assignments and who use her books and research papers and have been part of conferences have recognised the academic standard of her work.