Question

Choose the sequence of Chinese Buddhist translators : A. Kumārajīva B. Paramārtha C. Bodhiruci D. Bodhidharma E. Yuanchuang Choose the correct answer from the options given below :

• A. A, B, E, D, C
• B. A, B, C, D, E
• C. B, A, D, C, E
• D. A, B, D, E, C

Hint:

Kumārajīva is generally treated as the earliest major classical translator, while Xuanzang (Yuanchuang) is regarded as the culmination of the Chinese Buddhist translation movement.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept: The spread of Buddhism into China depended greatly on translators who rendered Sanskrit Buddhist texts into Chinese. These scholars played a major role in preserving Buddhist philosophy and establishing Chinese Buddhist schools.

Step 1: Identifying the historical periods of the translators.
• Kumārajīva (4th--5th century CE)
• Paramārtha (6th century CE)
• Bodhiruci (6th century CE)
• Bodhidharma (5th--6th century CE)
• Yuanchuang/Xuanzang (7th century CE)

Step 2: Understanding their chronological progression.
• Kumārajīva represents the early great translation movement.
• Paramārtha and Bodhiruci belong to the middle phase.
• Bodhidharma belongs to the later 6th-century transmission of Chan.
• Xuanzang/Yuanchuang represents the peak Tang-period translation era.

Step 3: Arranging them in sequence. The chronological order is: \[ A \rightarrow B \rightarrow C \rightarrow D \rightarrow E \] Thus, the correct sequence is: \[ \boxed{A,\ B,\ C,\ D,\ E} \]

Step 4: Historical significance.
• Kumārajīva translated Madhyamaka works beautifully into Chinese.
• Paramārtha introduced Yogācāra thought.
• Bodhidharma became associated with Chan/Zen Buddhism.
• Xuanzang established a highly systematic translation tradition after traveling to India. These scholars shaped East Asian Buddhism permanently.