Bukong (Amoghavajra)

Born in 705, Amoghavajra became Vajrabodhi's disciple while young and accompanied him to Tang China. After his teacher's death, he travelled to Sri Lanka to study and collect esoteric scriptures. Returning to Chang'an, he based his translation work at Daxingshan Monastery and served the courts of Xuanzong, Suzong and Daizong. He is remembered with Vajrabodhi and Śubhakarasiṃha as one of the Three Great Masters of the Kaiyuan era. More than one hundred translated works are attributed to him, including scriptures and ritual manuals of esoteric Buddhism. He died in 774.

不空三藏 · 唐 · 705-774

Also known as: 不空金剛

Works and Translations

Part of: The Eight Schools of Chinese Buddhism, Esoteric Buddhism in Tang Chang'an: Amoghavajra, Huiguo and the Road to Kūkai