Abstract

This novel vividly portrays the life and footprints of Kumarajiva, a monk from the Western Regions who translated the "Lotus Sutra" (Myoho Renge Kyo) - a scripture symbolic of Mahayana Buddhism - into Chinese during the 4th and 5th centuries. The story is told through the self-discovery journey of a young man living in 21st century Japan, Mikio Mizuno.
Based on extant biographies, the novel faithfully depicts Kumarajiva's life, achievements, and thoughts. Thus, it can also be read as a biography of Kumarajiva.

Author’s Information

Wahei Tatematsu: A novelist, born in 1947 in Tochigi Prefecture. He graduated from Waseda University's School of Political Science and Economics. In 1980, he won the Noma Literary Newcomer Prize for "Distant Thunder," the Joji Tsubota Literary Prize for "Egg Washing" in 1993, and the Mainichi Publishing Culture Award for "Poison – Wind Rumors, Masazo Tanaka" in 1997. He won the 35th Izumi Kyoka Prize for Literature in 2007 and the 5th Shinran Prize in 2008 for "Master Dogen." He authored many other books and passed away in February 2010. He was known as an activist writer and was also deeply knowledgeable about Buddhism. He was actively engaged in environmental conservation and in 2002, he won the Oya Takejuro Prize for his work on the script for a Kabuki play.