The Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King: A Life of Buddha

Introduction: Discusses the translation history of the text, Chinese Buddhist literature, Northern Buddhism, lives of the Buddha in Chinese sources, Aśvaghoṣa’s authorship, the reliability of Chinese translations, and the literary character of Aśvaghoṣa’s style. Book I: 1. The Birth: Narrates the miraculous birth of the Bodhisattva, auspicious signs, predictions, and the naming of Siddhārtha. 2. Living in the Palace: Describes royal upbringing, palace life, marriage, and the birth of Rāhula. 3. Disgust at Sorrow: Presents the encounters with old age, sickness, and death, which awaken existential reflection. 4. Putting away Desire: Shows the Bodhisattva’s rejection of sensual pleasure and courtly attachment. 5. Leaving the City: Narrates the Great Renunciation and departure from palace life. Book II: 6. The Return of Ćandaka: Describes the dismissal of the charioteer and the Bodhisattva’s transition to ascetic life. 7. Entering the Place of Austerities: Presents the encounter with ascetics and reflection on severe religious practices. 8. The General Grief of the Palace: Depicts the sorrow of the royal household after the prince’s departure. 9. The Mission to seek the Prince: Narrates efforts to find and persuade the prince to return. Book III: 10. Bimbisāra Rāja invites the Prince: Presents the meeting with King Bimbisāra. 11. The Reply to Bimbisāra Rāja: Gives the Bodhisattva’s explanation of his renunciant purpose. 12. Visit to Ārāḍa Udrarāma: Describes engagement with contemporary religious teachers. 13. Defeats Māra: Narrates the confrontation with Māra before enlightenment. 14. O-wei-san-pou-ti / Abhisambodhi: Presents the attainment of perfect enlightenment. 15. Turning the Law-wheel: Describes the first teaching and establishment of the Dharma. Book IV: 16. Bimbisāra Rāja becomes a Disciple: Narrates royal conversion and patronage. 17. The Great Disciple becomes a Hermit: Presents the renunciation and discipleship of a major follower. 18. Conversion of the “Supporter of the Orphans and Destitute” / Anāthapiṇḍada: Describes the conversion of a major lay patron. 19. Interview between Father and Son: Presents the Buddha’s meeting with his father. 20. Receiving the Jetavana Vihāra: Narrates the donation of Jetavana monastery. 21. Escaping the Drunken Elephant and Devadatta: Describes danger, hostility, and the Buddha’s spiritual composure. 22. The Lady Āmrā / Āmrapālī sees Buddha: Presents the encounter with Āmrapālī and its devotional significance. Book V: 23. By Spiritual Power fixing his Term of Years: Presents the Buddha’s determination concerning the duration of his life. 24. The Differences of the Licchavis: Describes tensions and moral-political conditions among the Licchavis. 25. Parinirvāṇa: Begins the account of the Buddha’s final passing. 26. Mahāparinirvāṇa: Presents the full narrative of the Great Passing Away. 27. Praising Nirvāṇa: Reflects on the meaning and dignity of Nirvāṇa. 28. Division of the Śarīras: Narrates the distribution of the Buddha’s relics.