Who is Kumarajiva?

Who is Kumarajiva?

Author: Nicholas Bright Haight June 7, 2025 Duration: 19:49

Bright on Buddhism - Episode 115 - Who is Kumarajiva? What did he do in his life? How did that affect Buddhism in East Asia?

Resources: Chandra, Moti (1977), Trade and Trade Routes in Ancient India, Abhinav Publications, ISBN 9788170170556; Eitel, E.J.; Edkins, Joseph (1871), "Handbook for the Student of Chinese Buddhism", The Chinese Recorder and Missionary Journal, 3, FOOCHOW.: American Presbyterian Mission Press: 217; Greene, Eric Matthew (2012), Meditation, Repentance, and Visionary Experience in Early Medieval Chinese Buddhism (PhD dissertation), University of California, Berkeley; Kumar, Yukteshwar (2005), A History of Sino-Indian Relations, APH Publishing Corporation, ISBN 978-8176487986; Lu, Yang (2004), "Narrative and Historicity in the Buddhist Biographies of Early Medieval China: The Case of Kumārajīva", Asia Major, Third Series, 17 (2): 1–43; Nan, Huai-Chin (1998), Basic Buddhism: Exploring Buddhism and Zen, ISBN 978-1578630202; Nattier, Jan (1992), "The Heart Sutra: A Chinese Apocryphal Text?", Journal of the International Association of Buddhist Studies, 15 (2): 153–223, archived from the original on 2013-10-29, retrieved 2013-10-23; Nattier, Jan (2005), A Few Good Men: The Bodhisattva Path according to The Inquiry of Ugra (Ugraparipṛcchā), University of Hawaii Press, ISBN 978-0824830038; Pollard, Elizabeth (2015), Worlds Together Worlds Apart, New York: W.W. Norton Company Inc, p. 287, ISBN 978-0-393-91847-2; Puri, B. N. (1987), Buddhism in Central Asia, Motilal Banarsidass Publishers Private Limited, ISBN 978-8120803725; Singh, Upinder (2009), A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India: From the Stone Age to the 12th Century, Pearson Education India, ISBN 978-8131716779; Smith, David Howard (1971), Chinese Religions From 1000 B.C. to the Present Day, Weidenfeld & Nicolson; Wu, Ching-hsing (1938), "Some Notes on Kao Seng Chuan", T'ien Hsia Monthly, 7, Kelly and Walsh, ltd.; Zürcher, Erik (2007) The Buddhist Conquest of China: The Spread and Adaptation of Buddhism in Early Medieval China. BRILL.

Do you have a question about Buddhism that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by emailing us at Bright.On.Buddhism@gmail.com.

Credits:

Nick Bright: Script, Cover Art, Music, Voice of Hearer, Co-Host

Proven Paradox: Editing, mixing and mastering, social media, Voice of Hermit, Co-Host


Nicholas Bright Haight brings his academic background and personal curiosity to each episode of Bright On Buddhism. As a scholar of East Asian Buddhism currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Religion, with a specialization in pre-modern Japanese Buddhist architecture, Nick approaches these conversations with both depth and accessibility. The discussions unfold in a relaxed, question-and-answer style, making often complex philosophical and historical ideas feel approachable and immediately relevant. You’ll hear explorations that draw from his specific research areas, like Japanese Buddhist historical responses to cultural shifts, while also addressing the broader, timeless questions at the heart of the tradition. This isn’t a formal lecture series, but rather a thoughtful dialogue meant for anyone with an interest in how these ancient teachings intersect with modern life. The Bright On Buddhism podcast creates a space where scholarly insight meets casual conversation, demystifying topics without losing their profound essence. Whether you're well-versed in Buddhist thought or just beginning to explore spirituality and religion, these episodes offer a grounded and informative perspective.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 252

Bright On Buddhism
Podcast Episodes
Dōgen - Passages from Shōbōgenzō [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:47:55
Bright on Buddhism - Dōgen - Passages from ShōbōgenzōJoin us as we read the Kazuaki Tanahashi translation of "Actualizing the Fundamental Point," "Being-Time," and "Body-and-Mind Study of The Way."Resources: Dogen, Trans…
What was the Saffron Revolution of 2007? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:06
Bright on Buddhism - Episode 123 - What was the Saffron Revolution of 2007? What were the circumstances that caused it? What is its legacy?Resources: The Group Protesting the Murder of Mr. Nagai by the Army of MyanmarBur…
Kōan Series - Banzan's "3 Worlds, No Dharma" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:07
Bright on Buddhism - Kōan Series Episode 12 - Banzan's "3 Worlds, No Dharma"Hello and welcome to a new episode of the Kōan Series. In this series, we will read and discuss real Buddhist kōans to try and better understand…
Buddhish 23 - Music [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:17
Buddhish - Episode 23 - Music Join us as we nerd out about music together.Music list: Nick –Leo Leo - https://www.youtube.com/@leoleothebandMakoto Matsushita - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCprewYlxsT-7hK6_nM7jCQMasa…
What were the nikaya schools? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:58
Bright on Buddhism - Episode 121 - What were the nikaya schools? What did they believe? What happened to them?Resources: Baruah, Bibhuti (2000). Buddhist Sects and Sectarianism. Sarup & Sons. ISBN 978-81-7625-152-5.; Nak…
Who is Vairocana? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:56
Bright on Buddhism - Episode 120 - Who is Vairocana? What is his history? How ought we understand him?Resources: Birmingham, Vessantara (2003). Meeting The Buddhas, Windhorse Publications, ISBN 0-904766-53-5.; Cook, Fran…
What is the role of music in Buddhism? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:25
Bright on Buddhism - Episode 119 - What is the role of music in Buddhism? What are some instruments that are commonly used in ritual? How ought we understand music in Buddhism? Resources: https://buddhiststudies.stanford…
Buddhish - The Saturday Edition [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:03
Bright on Buddhism - Buddhish 22 - The Saturday EditionJoin us as we begrudgingly discuss the end of our streak of never missing uploads! https://www.gofundme.com/c/act/flood-relief#/Do you have a question about Buddhism…
Lotus Sutra Chapter 2 - Skillful Means [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:03
Chapter 2 of the Lotus Sutra - Join us as we read and discuss Chapter 2 of the Burton Watson translation of the Lotus Sutra!Resources: Hurvitz, Leon. 1976. Scripture of the Lotus Blossom of the Fine Dharma. New York: Col…