iii Acknowledgements viii Chapter 1 – Introduction: Naturalizing Apocalyptic Eschatology 1 Previo... more iii Acknowledgements viii Chapter 1 – Introduction: Naturalizing Apocalyptic Eschatology 1 Previous Studies 4 Components of Chinese Apocalyptic Eschatology 7 The Saviors 9 Sources 10 Chapter Summaries 12 Chapter 2 – Harbingers of Peace and Prosperity 14 Figures Wheel-Turning King 16 Śākyamuni and Maitreya 27 Ajita 35 Prince Moonlight 38 Concepts Compassion and Vegetarianism 40 Connection with Maitreya 44 Converting 48 King of Dharma 52
This article investigates the Zhengming jing 證明經 (T. no. 2879) and its diverse functions, using t... more This article investigates the Zhengming jing 證明經 (T. no. 2879) and its diverse functions, using the text as a case study for placing apocryphal scriptures in their social and political contexts. Examining the material properties of the manuscripts, as well as the various interests that the text served, the article argues that at least some practitioners understood the Zhengming jing as a typical Buddhist scripture. Moreover, comparison of the text with the canonical Maitreya scriptures shows that the author(s) of the Zhengming jing consciously blurred the lines between kingship and Buddhahood. This modification was particularly significant because it provided the basis for an apocryphal interpolation that helped validate the reign of Emperor Wu Zetian 武則天. By placing the Zhengming jing in these various contexts, the article demonstrates that apocryphal texts could serve as important sources of social and political authority in medieval Chinese Buddhism.
The majority of the murals at Dunhuang that depict Maitreya are dominated by his three assemblies... more The majority of the murals at Dunhuang that depict Maitreya are dominated by his three assemblies, thereby emphasizing the salvific power of the future Buddha after he has descended to earth. This article examines scenes from the Maitreya murals, highlighting details appearing across the murals that allow us to understand how adherents imagined life in an earthly paradise. Most scenes in the murals accentuate the magnificence of life in Maitreya's terrestrial Buddhaland, characterized by manageable yet rewarding labor and a long life that never ends suddenly, all in a clean urban environment. Hence, in this realm some labor is still required and social hierarchies are maintained. Unlike the celestial realm of Amitābha Buddha, Maitreya's land is ruled by an ideal leader, the Wheel-Turning King Saṅkha. The article concludes by examining the tension between the power of the religious leader and the political ruler, evident even though the paintings do not include representation...
Uploads
Papers by April Hughes