When did the Modengqie jing arrive in China and who translated it?
The text called the Modengqie jing arrived in China during the fifth century. Zhu Lüyan translated this work containing dhāraņīs into Chinese.
Questions about Chinese Esoteric Buddhism
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Who were the three great masters from India that established Zhenyan tradition under Emperor Xuanzong between 716 and 720?
Śubhakarasiñha lived from 637 to 735, Vajrabodhi lived from 671 to 741, and Amoghavajra lived from 705 to 774. These three figures came from India to establish the Zhenyan tradition under Emperor Xuanzong.
How did Esoteric Buddhism become the official state Buddhist sect of Tang dynasty after the An Lushan rebellion in 759?
Amoghavajra assisted the Tang state against the An Lushan rebellion by performing Vajrayana rituals intended to introduce death, disaster, and disease against the enemy army. After victory in 759, Emperor Suzong was crowned cakravartin by Amoghavajra, which made Esoteric Buddhism the official state Buddhist sect receiving state funding for writing scriptures and constructing monasteries.
When did Master Kūkai travel from Japan to Tang China and what lineage did he establish upon returning home?
Master Kūkai traveled from Japan to Tang China before the persecution began and lived from 774 to 835. He learned complete esoteric teachings from Master Huiguo between 746 and 805 and established Shingon Buddhism in Japan.
What happened to Tibetan Buddhism when the Ming dynasty began in 1368 and how did it continue despite attacks?
When the Ming dynasty began in 1368, lamas were expelled from court and Vajrayana was denounced as sorcery and licentiousness. Despite these attacks, Tibetan Vajrayana continued to spread after the Yuan fell, with the Yongle Emperor inviting Deshin Shekpa, the fifth Karmapa Lama, to court between 1402 and 1424.