Monastics and the Medieval Chinese Buddhist Mythos: A Study of Narrative Elements in Daoxuan’s Ji shenzhou sanbao gantong lu (Collected Record of Miracles Relating to the Three Jewels in China)

Miracle tales are didactic stories related to Buddhist figures, objects, and places that describe supernormal occurrences brought about by acts of great piety fervent devotion. They present the audience with concrete examples workings karma, while simultaneously setting verifiable historical precedents in a bid prove religious efficacy Buddhism China. These were also historiographical works, providing wealth detail regarding not only life belief China, but local lore, politics, architectural trends, much more. This paper will focus on text called Ji shenzhou sanbao gantong lu 集神州三寶感通錄 (T2106), collection miracle compiled seventh-century scholar-monk, Daoxuan 道宣 (596–667 CE). is narratives drawn from literary epigraphy sources, as well orally transmitted stories. As figurehead author many seminal played central role overall localization this tradition Bearing mind, seeks interpret “collective images” presented Daoxuan’s tales, those representations miraculous supernormal.