China has long carried the imprint of Ramayana stories within its Buddhist scriptures, a connection that has come to light thanks to recent scholarly discussions. At a symposium titled “Ramayana: A Timeless Guide,” hosted by the Indian Embassy, numerous Chinese scholars dedicated to exploring religious influences presented findings on how the Ramayana traversed into China and its subsequent impact on Chinese art and literature.
Interplay of religion and secularism in Ramayana's legacy and its cultural impact in China
Dr. Jiang Jingkui , Professor and Dean of the Institute for International and Area Studies at Tsinghua University, emphasised the intertwining of the religious and secular realms within the Ramayana's narrative, highlighting its growing significance through cross-cultural exchanges. He noted that China has absorbed elements of this epic, which not only influenced Han culture but was also reinterpreted in Tibetan culture, referred to in China as Xizang.
“This cultural migration and adaptation illustrate the openness and versatility of the Ramayana as both a classic and a worldly text,” Jiang stated. He explained that the earliest references to the Ramayana entered the Han cultural sphere primarily through Buddhist texts, indicating that while the entire epic was not fully integrated, parts were incorporated into Buddhist scriptures, with notable characters like Dasharatha and Hanuman appearing in these narratives.
Transformation of Hanuman into the revered Monkey King and its lasting influence on Chinese culture
One striking example is Hanuman's transformation into the Monkey King, a character who embodies Buddhist teachings and merges into classic moral stories. Sun Wukong, the Monkey King with human traits, has remained a cherished figure in Chinese literature and folklore.
Professor Liu Jian from the National Institute of International Strategies of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences pointed out that many scholars agree Sun Wukong's origins trace back to Hanuman, although some consider him a domestic creation. He stated, “Chinese scholars generally concur that Sun Wukong’s character is derived from Hanuman, thus confirming his Indian origins.”
How has Indian culture, particularly through Buddhism, influenced the presence of Hindu deities in China ?
Prof. Qiu Yonghuai, Deputy Director of the China Centre for South Asian Studies at Sichuan University, showcased various Hindu deities in a museum in Quanzhou, Fujian province, during her presentation on the “Footsteps of Ram in China.” She highlighted a Buddhist temple managed by a Hindu priest, stating, “Indian culture, particularly through Buddhism, firmly established itself in China. This is why Hinduism has played a relatively minor role in the history of Sino-Indian cultural relations.”
Pivotal role of Xuanzang in understanding of Ramayana in China and significance
Jiang further reflected on the influence of Xuanzang, the renowned seventh-century Chinese scholar who travelled to India, studied at Nalanda University, and returned with numerous Buddhist texts that included accounts of the Ramayana. He noted that due to the Hindu context of the Ramayana and the predominance of Buddhism in China, the epic was not fully translated or widely disseminated within Han culture.
The first comprehensive Chinese translation of the Ramayana from Sanskrit was accomplished by Ji Xianlin in 1980, marking a significant milestone for Chinese academia. Jiang praised Ji’s decade-long effort to translate the extensive work of 24,000 verses, stating it has become essential for the study of the Ramayana in China.
He added that the Ramayana has had a more profound and enduring impact in Tibet, where it was introduced during the Tubo Kingdom. The epic has become a significant subject of study among Tibetan scholars, gaining popularity among the general populace through literature and theatrical performances, showcasing its dynamic nature as a cross-cultural classic. Jiang concluded by expressing that the Ramayana is not merely an epic but also a deep exploration of the ideal human character and society. Through the actions of Rama and the concept of 'Ram Rajya,' the epic conveys multiple facets of the notion of 'Adarsh' (ideal) in Indian culture.
Ramayana's ancient roots and its cultural influence in China and beyond
Indian Ambassador to China Pradeep Kumar Rawat remarked on the Ramayana's status as one of humanity's oldest poetic works, noting that while historians debate its exact dating, astronomy-based research suggests it could date back to around the 7th century B.C. He emphasised the Ramayana's ability to transcend geographic boundaries and adapt to local cultures while preserving its core values.
Several Chinese professors, including Yin Xi-nan from Sichuan University and Xue Yuyun from Gansu National University for Nationalities, also shared their insights on the Ramayana’s enduring influence in China. The ambassadors from Thailand and Indonesia spoke about the Ramayana's impact in their respective countries, further illustrating its wide-reaching legacy.
Thematic Resonance
The themes of ideal human character and societal values present in the Ramayana have found deep resonance within Chinese culture, contributing to the epic's enduring influence across centuries. At its core, the Ramayana conveys timeless lessons on morality, duty, and righteousness—qualities that are universally esteemed. In Chinese culture, these themes align closely with Confucian ideals, which emphasize moral integrity, filial piety, and social harmony.
Characters like Rama, Sita, and Hanuman epitomize virtues such as bravery, loyalty, and selflessness, which are echoed in traditional Chinese tales and teachings. For instance, Rama's unwavering commitment to righteousness and Sita's steadfast loyalty in the face of adversity parallel the values upheld in classical Chinese literature and philosophy. This shared moral framework has facilitated the acceptance and integration of the Ramayana's stories into Chinese cultural narratives.
Moreover, the depiction of cosmic order and the triumph of good over evil in the Ramayana mirrors the Buddhist and Taoist concepts prevalent in Chinese spiritual thought.
Also Read | Watch: Devotees drink AC water mistaken for ‘Charan Amrit’ at Banke Bihari temple, Vrindavan; sparks online discussion
Interplay of religion and secularism in Ramayana's legacy and its cultural impact in China
Dr. Jiang Jingkui , Professor and Dean of the Institute for International and Area Studies at Tsinghua University, emphasised the intertwining of the religious and secular realms within the Ramayana's narrative, highlighting its growing significance through cross-cultural exchanges. He noted that China has absorbed elements of this epic, which not only influenced Han culture but was also reinterpreted in Tibetan culture, referred to in China as Xizang.
“This cultural migration and adaptation illustrate the openness and versatility of the Ramayana as both a classic and a worldly text,” Jiang stated. He explained that the earliest references to the Ramayana entered the Han cultural sphere primarily through Buddhist texts, indicating that while the entire epic was not fully integrated, parts were incorporated into Buddhist scriptures, with notable characters like Dasharatha and Hanuman appearing in these narratives.
Transformation of Hanuman into the revered Monkey King and its lasting influence on Chinese culture
One striking example is Hanuman's transformation into the Monkey King, a character who embodies Buddhist teachings and merges into classic moral stories. Sun Wukong, the Monkey King with human traits, has remained a cherished figure in Chinese literature and folklore.
Professor Liu Jian from the National Institute of International Strategies of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences pointed out that many scholars agree Sun Wukong's origins trace back to Hanuman, although some consider him a domestic creation. He stated, “Chinese scholars generally concur that Sun Wukong’s character is derived from Hanuman, thus confirming his Indian origins.”
How has Indian culture, particularly through Buddhism, influenced the presence of Hindu deities in China ?
Prof. Qiu Yonghuai, Deputy Director of the China Centre for South Asian Studies at Sichuan University, showcased various Hindu deities in a museum in Quanzhou, Fujian province, during her presentation on the “Footsteps of Ram in China.” She highlighted a Buddhist temple managed by a Hindu priest, stating, “Indian culture, particularly through Buddhism, firmly established itself in China. This is why Hinduism has played a relatively minor role in the history of Sino-Indian cultural relations.”
Pivotal role of Xuanzang in understanding of Ramayana in China and significance
Jiang further reflected on the influence of Xuanzang, the renowned seventh-century Chinese scholar who travelled to India, studied at Nalanda University, and returned with numerous Buddhist texts that included accounts of the Ramayana. He noted that due to the Hindu context of the Ramayana and the predominance of Buddhism in China, the epic was not fully translated or widely disseminated within Han culture.
The first comprehensive Chinese translation of the Ramayana from Sanskrit was accomplished by Ji Xianlin in 1980, marking a significant milestone for Chinese academia. Jiang praised Ji’s decade-long effort to translate the extensive work of 24,000 verses, stating it has become essential for the study of the Ramayana in China.
He added that the Ramayana has had a more profound and enduring impact in Tibet, where it was introduced during the Tubo Kingdom. The epic has become a significant subject of study among Tibetan scholars, gaining popularity among the general populace through literature and theatrical performances, showcasing its dynamic nature as a cross-cultural classic. Jiang concluded by expressing that the Ramayana is not merely an epic but also a deep exploration of the ideal human character and society. Through the actions of Rama and the concept of 'Ram Rajya,' the epic conveys multiple facets of the notion of 'Adarsh' (ideal) in Indian culture.
Ramayana's ancient roots and its cultural influence in China and beyond
Indian Ambassador to China Pradeep Kumar Rawat remarked on the Ramayana's status as one of humanity's oldest poetic works, noting that while historians debate its exact dating, astronomy-based research suggests it could date back to around the 7th century B.C. He emphasised the Ramayana's ability to transcend geographic boundaries and adapt to local cultures while preserving its core values.
Several Chinese professors, including Yin Xi-nan from Sichuan University and Xue Yuyun from Gansu National University for Nationalities, also shared their insights on the Ramayana’s enduring influence in China. The ambassadors from Thailand and Indonesia spoke about the Ramayana's impact in their respective countries, further illustrating its wide-reaching legacy.
Thematic Resonance
The themes of ideal human character and societal values present in the Ramayana have found deep resonance within Chinese culture, contributing to the epic's enduring influence across centuries. At its core, the Ramayana conveys timeless lessons on morality, duty, and righteousness—qualities that are universally esteemed. In Chinese culture, these themes align closely with Confucian ideals, which emphasize moral integrity, filial piety, and social harmony.
Characters like Rama, Sita, and Hanuman epitomize virtues such as bravery, loyalty, and selflessness, which are echoed in traditional Chinese tales and teachings. For instance, Rama's unwavering commitment to righteousness and Sita's steadfast loyalty in the face of adversity parallel the values upheld in classical Chinese literature and philosophy. This shared moral framework has facilitated the acceptance and integration of the Ramayana's stories into Chinese cultural narratives.
Moreover, the depiction of cosmic order and the triumph of good over evil in the Ramayana mirrors the Buddhist and Taoist concepts prevalent in Chinese spiritual thought.
Also Read | Watch: Devotees drink AC water mistaken for ‘Charan Amrit’ at Banke Bihari temple, Vrindavan; sparks online discussion
You may also like
Know what is the specialty of this Royal Enfield bike
Xabi Alonso pays classy Liverpool touch on return to Anfield with Bayer Leverkusen
Bhojpuri artists celebrate the festival of Chhath with great pomp
Taylor Swift shares 'friendly but extremely important' message as Americans head out to vote
A to Z of US Election 2024
