Namo Buddhāya Gurave (K. 888): Circulation of a Liturgical Formula across Asia

Authors

  • Peter Skilling École française d'Extrême-Orient, Bangkok, Thailand

Abstract

The article takes an inscription from Cambodia as its starting point, showing that it is a Sanskrit verse of homage to the three jewels that is associated with the celebrated Indian poet, Mātṛceṭa (ca. 4th century). It places the verse within a wide liturgical context, showing that it was known in Tang China, and that it has been known and recited in Nepal and Bali up to the 20th century or even the present. The article gives new readings of two of the versions, those of the Khmer inscription and of the Chinese transcription. It is a contribution to the somewhat neglected field of Sanskrit Buddhist (and/or Buddhist Sanskrit) liturgy.

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Published

2018-11-28

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Research Highlights