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An Shigao

Type Figure Region West Asia Time 100–180 Also known as An Qing、Prince of Parthia

An Shigao was a second-century Buddhist monk from Parthia and a key pioneer of early Buddhist scripture translation in China, arriving in Luoyang dur…

Timeline

  1. 100–148Parthia (Persia) · IranAn Shigao was born into the Parthian royal family, later became a monk, and traveled east along the Silk Road to Luoyang, becoming one of the earliest Western Regions monks to bring systematic Buddhist scriptures to the Central Plains.
  2. c. 148–180Luoyang · HenanAn Shigao devoted himself to translating Buddhist scriptures into Chinese in Luoyang; works such as the Anban Shouyi Jing and Yin Chi Ru Jing had far-reaching influence, founding the Chinese tradition of translating Chan teachings and earning him the title pioneer of Chinese Buddhist translations.

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