Abstract

The history of Central Asian Buddhism was unveiled by European and Japanese explorers at the beginning of the 20th century. However, the complex situation unique to this region – with its history, languages, and cultures shaped by diverse ethnicities – has hindered significant progress in Buddhist studies. Active excavations are still underway in various parts of Central Asia, and recent collaborative research by experts in various fields has progressively elucidated new aspects of Buddhist history. We present the latest findings in Central Asian Buddhist studies.

Author’s Information

Yasuaki Nara
Born in Chiba Prefecture in 1929. He is an Emeritus Professor of Komazawa University. After graduating from the Faculty of Literature at the University of Tokyo in 1953, he studied abroad at the University of Calcutta in 1956. In 1961, he became a lecturer at Komazawa University, later serving as an associate professor, professor, president, and chancellor of the same university. He holds a Doctorate in Literature and previously served as the head priest of Hoseiji Temple. His major works include "Buddhism and Humans" and "History of Buddhism I - India & Southeast Asia".

Kosei Ishii
Born in Tokyo in 1950. He graduated from the Faculty of Letters, Waseda University, specializing in Eastern Philosophy, and completed the postgraduate course in the Graduate School of Humanities at the same university. He holds a Doctorate in Literature from Waseda University and is a professor in the Department of Buddhist Studies at Komazawa University. His specialty is Buddhism and related literature, history, and performing arts in countries within the Chinese character cultural sphere.