Sunday, August 23, 2015
KUMARAJIVA – THE TRANSCREATOR OF
BUDDHIST CHINESE DICTION BY NIRMALA SHARMA
This work by Prof. Nirmala Sharma is
the first full-length narration of the extraordinary life, immense literary
output, manifold philosophical perspective of Kumarajiva and the development of
a new translation methodology by him. He is the great transcreator of Buddhist
Chinese diction. His oeuvre covers all genres of Buddhist literature. All his
words, both extant and lost are detailed. The author discusses at length his
crucial texts that became the foundation of sects and philosophical systems in
East Asia. Kucha the homeland of Kumarajiva excelled in painting, music and
dance. Around a hundred illustrations of murals and scrolls vividly portray
this ambience of Kucha.
The author has added a write up of
President Daisaku Ikeda, whose devotion to the unparalleled monk-translator
adds to the deep understanding of the mind and message of Kumarajiva to humanity.
President Ikeda discusses Kumarajiva’s new systematization of terminology to
bring greater clarity to Buddhist thought and practice.
The author ends the book with the
translation of the original Chinese life of Kumarajiva, translated by Prof. J.
Nobel, from the Lives of Eminent Monks written by Hiu-chiao in AD 519. The
original text in Chinese has also been reproduced.
Nirmala Sharma is an Art Historian and a Professor of Buddhist studies at the International Academy of Indian Culture, New Delhi. She is working on a project of Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts on “Iconography of the Mandalas of the Dukhang of Alchi”. With two masters degrees, one in Fine Arts and the other in Ancient Indian History Culture and archaeology, her PhD thesis is on the Ragamala paintings. She has been awarded two gold medals and a silver medal for best papers read at the Gujrat Itihas Parishad.
She has made educative films for Doordarshan on the monuments, step wells, sculptures, textiles and paintings. She held a senior position as a designer of textiles and costumes in industries with specialization on the software for the weaving looms. She has published several articles on Textiles. She is a member of the Indian Art History Congress, Association of British Scholars and the Programme Advisory committee at IGNCA. Her books include Bamiyan Hariti and Kindred Iconics, Ragamala Paintings, Buddhist Paintings of Tunhuang in the National Museum, New Delhi.
Book: Kumarajiva
Author: Nirmala Sharma
ISBN: 978-81-89738-19-8
Language: English
Price: ......... (Shipping/Courier Charges Extra)
For order contact - Utpal Kaul (Please SMS +91-9818447636)
Email: utpalpublications@gmail.com
