Religious Encounters along the Silk Road: Connections, Competitions, and Comparisons

(Hardback)

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This book draws on a diverse range of sourcesincluding traditional texts, manuscripts, inscriptions, visual materials, and archaeological discoveriesto examine the connections, rivalries, and interactions among Buddhism, Christianity, and Daoism along the Silk Road during the medieval era.

Analyzing these dynamics from political, textual, ritual, and ethnic perspectives, it argues that interreligious exchanges were integral to the broader process of medieval globalization, shaping political and religious life in Central Asia and China within a multilingual, multi-religious, and multi-ethnic environment. The book further suggests that Buddhists, Christians, and Daoists coexisted within shared political, textual, ritual, and ethnic spheres, developing distinct strategies to navigate and adapt to political and religious challenges. These communities likely influenced one anothers texts and rituals under the same political regime. For example, all three honored portraits of Tang emperors to secure imperial favor while simultaneously developing amulet practices for their followers. Additionally, they competed to provide astronomical services to the Chinese empire, highlighting their efforts to align with state interests while maintaining their religious traditions.

Author Bio

Huaiyu Chen is Professor of Buddhism and Chinese Religions at Arizona State University, USA.