In China, scholars explore the enduring influence of the Ramayana, finding its hidden presence in Buddhist scriptures and its integration into Chinese culture. The epic serves as a bridge between religions, resonating with both Han and Tibetan cultures. Notable transformations include Hanuman becoming the Monkey King, Sun Wukong. Scholars highlight the interconnectedness of Indian and Chinese cultural motifs, showcasing the Ramayana's lasting impact in China and beyond.
China's rich cultural tapestry holds hidden footprints of the ancient Indian epic, Ramayana, cloaked within Buddhist scriptures for centuries. Scholars in China have recently shed light on the profound influence of Hinduism in the country's diverse history, marking a significant revelation.
A symposium titled 'Ramayana - A Timeless Guide,' hosted by the Indian Embassy in China, gathered a consortium of Chinese scholars deeply engaged in researching religious influences. Their insightful presentations unveiled the historical pathways through which the epic saga of Ramayana traversed into China, leaving indelible marks on Chinese art and literature.
Dr. Jiang Jingkui, a distinguished Professor and Dean at Tsinghua University's Institute for International and Area Studies, emphasized the growing significance of Ramayana as a bridge between religious and secular realms through cross-cultural exchanges. He highlighted how this epic tale has seamlessly integrated into Chinese cultural narratives, resonating not only within the predominant Han culture but also finding reinterpretation and new meaning in Tibetan culture.
The earliest traces of Ramayana in China were intertwined with Buddhist scriptures, gradually seeping into the Han cultural sphere. While not entirely assimilated as a complete work, pivotal elements of the epic were interwoven into Buddhist texts. Figures like Dasharatha and Hanuman were reimagined as Buddhist characters, symbolizing a harmonious blend of narratives across diverse traditions.
One of the most iconic transformations was that of Hanuman into the renowned Monkey King, Sun Wukong, who embodied Buddhist teachings within classic moral tales, captivating generations of Chinese audiences through literature and folklore.
Professor Liu Jian from the National Institute of International Strategies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences highlighted the scholarly discourse surrounding Sun Wukong's origins, drawing parallels between the Monkey King and Hanuman, underscoring the interconnectedness of Indian and Chinese cultural motifs.
Delving deeper into the cultural imprints of Ramayana in China, Prof. Qiu Yonghuai from the China Centre for South Asian Studies at Sichuan University showcased a diverse array of Hindu deities displayed in a museum in Quanzhou, Fujian province. She also unveiled a captivating photo of a Buddhist temple overseen by a Hindu priest, illustrating the intricate interplay between Indian culture, Buddhism, and Chinese landscapes.
The enduring legacy of Ramayana in China was further exemplified by the seventh-century Chinese scholar Xuanzang, who journeyed to India, studied at Nalanda University, and returned with vivid accounts of Ramayana stories embedded within Buddhist scriptures. Despite the predominance of Buddhism in China, the text of Ramayana was not extensively translated or disseminated within Han culture until Ji Xianlin's groundbreaking translation in 1980.
Ji's meticulous translation effort spanning nearly a decade opened new avenues for Chinese academia, facilitating a deeper understanding of this Indian literary masterpiece and fostering cultural exchanges between India and China.
Ramayana's profound impact extended beyond mainland China into Tibet, where it found resonance during the Tubo Kingdom era. Through literary works and theatrical performances, Ramayana became a subject of scholarly exploration and a source of popular fascination among Tibetans, showcasing its enduring relevance as a cross-cultural classic.
Indian Ambassador to China, Pradeep Kumar Rawat, underscored the timeless nature of Ramayana, positioning it as a cornerstone of human civilization's poetic heritage. He highlighted the epic's ability to transcend geographical boundaries, seamlessly merging with local cultural fabrics while upholding its core values.
Numerous Chinese scholars and dignitaries from Thailand and Indonesia also shared insights on the profound influence of Ramayana in their respective countries, emphasizing its universal appeal and enduring legacy across diverse cultures. The symposium served as a vibrant tapestry weaving together threads of cultural heritage, underscoring the timeless resonance of Ramayana in China and beyond.
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