Portrait: AI-generated imagined likeness

Fotudeng

Buddhist monk · Religious leader

Years: 232–348
Birthplace: China
Birth polity: Kucha in the Western Regions
Era: Ancient
Field: Religion
Occupations: Buddhist monk · Religious leader

A monk said to be from Kamekushi in the western region. He entered North China during the period of the Sixteen Kingdoms of the Five Hus and spread Buddhism under the important authority of Shi Le and Shi Hu of Later Zhao. He is a person who understands the process by which Chinese Buddhism takes root in society.

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Historical context

Places

Kucha
Birth
Luoyang
310
Work
Ye
348
Death

Events

Buddhist patronage in Later Zhao
310–348
Cultural event · Participant

Origins

Origins map

Birth country

Birth country: China

Map: Natural Earth (PD)

Biography

Early life

He is said to have been born in the Buddhist cultural area of Guji, and moved to Luoyang during the period of turmoil at the end of the Jin Dynasty. In North China, where nomadic governments and Han Chinese society intersect, monks came into contact with political power.

Achievements

He approached the ruler of Later Zhao and promoted the construction of temples and propagation while preaching the precepts and faith. Among his disciples, important monks like Doan emerged, leading to the organization of northern Buddhism.

Character & anecdotes

There are many legends that Buddha Zucho showed divine power. Historical fact and legend overlap, but it is important that he is remembered as a monk who made the rulers of turbulent times recognize the authority of Buddhism.

Historical Impact

When you study Buddhism, you will realize that Buddhism was not just a foreign ideology, but was accepted within the politics, ideas of salvation, and urban society of the 16 countries of the Five Hus. It can also be used for comparison with surrounding areas from the same era. Differences in acceptance between regions can also be confirmed.