Asian Studies Program

Jeffrey L. Steward

Jeffrey L. Steward
Senior, East Asian Languages and Literatures
Advisor: Professor Richard Wang
Title: "The Transmission of Madhyamaka Thought to China"

I will be tracing the history of Madhyamaka thought through its conception in India through its introduction and ultimate diffusion into Chinese Buddhism. I will attempt to demonstrate how the Chinese culture was enriched by embracing this philosophy. This will involve the initial conception of "The Middle Way" by the Buddha through the creation of the Madhyamaka school by Nagarjuna and with the translation of Kumarajiva, the adoption of this thought by Sengzhao, Jizang, Zhiyi, and other such Chinese intellectual heavyweights. I hope to demonstrate that understanding the process in which a philosophy is integrated can likewise help the West to understand and be enriched by such philosophies.

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