Among Chinese religious sites; Mount Putuo; the "Island of Guanyin;" stands out as a fascinating embodiment of China's vibrant Buddhist tradition. A small island in the East China Sea; it has been the single most important pilgrimage site for the worship of Guanyin; the beloved Bodhisattva of Compassion; who is venerated from Sri Lanka to Japan. Attracting thousands of visitors every year; the site has accumulated a multi-layered historical record; as it appears in different lights in poems; biographies; maps; and legends across the centuries. From its foundation in Mahayana Buddhist scriptures to its descriptions in local histories known as "gazetteers;" Mount Putuo's distinctive profile makes it an abiding landmark throughout the checkered history of Chinese Buddhism. This book; the first monograph on Mount Putuo in any language; follows the structure of a gazetteer as it presents important texts about this sacred site; which are here translated for the first time; groups them according to the individual genres found in the gazetteers; and analyzes their function. This brings out the full meaning of the texts against their historical; geographical; and religious contexts; producing a panoramic view of Mount Putuo through the lens of its textual heritage. Revealing the dense fabric of one deep-rooted devotional tradition; the book will be of interest to all students of Asian Buddhism.
#2150591 in Books 2016-06-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 6.30 x 1.00 x 9.30l; .0 #File Name: 0190251425280 pages
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