Sri Lanka
English (EN)
Sri Lanka (formerly known as Ceylon) is an island nation in the Indian Ocean, located off the southeastern coast of India. It played a crucial role as the primary intermediary in the transmission of Buddhism from India to the Indonesian archipelago.
Sri Lanka and the Spread of Buddhism
Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BCE. From the 5th century CE onward, Sri Lanka became a major center of Buddhist learning and practice. Its monasteries, particularly the Mahavihara in Anuradhapura, preserved the Pali Canon and developed the Theravada Buddhist tradition that later influenced Southeast Asia.
Sri Lanka’s geographical position made it a natural stop for traders and pilgrims traveling between India and Indonesia. By the 5th century, established maritime routes connected Sri Lanka to sumatra and Java.
The Faxian Connection (412 CE)
The Chinese monk Faxian visited Sri Lanka in the early 5th century to study Buddhism. On his return journey to China, he spent five months in Java (then called “Yavadvipa”) — a stop that was only possible because of the established sea routes between Sri Lanka and Indonesia. His account in the Records of Buddhist Kingdoms provides the earliest written evidence of Buddhist practice in Indonesia.
The Sailendra-Sri Lanka Connection (8th–9th Century)
During the Sailendra Dynasty, Sri Lanka’s influence on Indonesian Buddhism was at its peak:
- The Sangha Inscription (8th century) found in Central Java explicitly mentions monks from “Singhala” (Sri Lanka) who established a monastery.
- Borobudur’s architectural style and reliefs closely resemble early Sri Lankan Buddhist art, suggesting Sri Lankan artisans or models influenced its construction.
- The Sailendra kings maintained diplomatic and religious ties with Sri Lankan monasteries.
The Yijing Account (7th Century)
The Chinese monk yijing recorded that Srivijaya monks traveled to Sri Lanka to study the Vinaya (monastic discipline) and return to teach in Sumatra. This confirms the active exchange between the two regions.
Decline of the Sri Lanka-Indonesia Connection
After the 11th century, the rise of the Chola Empire disrupted maritime routes. The increasing influence of Islam in both India and Indonesia further reduced the traffic of Buddhist scholars between the two regions.
Modern Connections
Today, Sri Lanka and Indonesia maintain diplomatic relations. Both countries are members of the Indian Ocean Rim Association and share cultural interests in their Buddhist heritage.
中文 (ZH)
斯里兰卡（旧称锡兰）是印度洋上的岛国，位于印度东南沿海。它在佛教从印度传入印尼群岛的过程中发挥了关键的中介作用。
斯里兰卡与佛教传播
佛教于公元前3世纪传入斯里兰卡。从公元5世纪起，斯里兰卡成为佛教学习和实践的重要中心。其寺院，特别是阿努拉德普勒的大寺，保存了巴利文大藏经，发展出的上座部佛教传统后来影响了东南亚。
法显的连接（412年）
中国僧人法显在5世纪初访问斯里兰卡。在返回中国途中，他在爪哇停留了五个月——只有因为斯里兰卡与印尼之间已存在成熟的海上航线，这一停留才成为可能。
夏连特拉与斯里兰卡（8–9世纪）
夏连特拉王朝时期，斯里兰卡对印尼佛教的影响达到顶峰：
- 8世纪爪哇僧伽罗比丘碑铭明确提及来自“僧伽罗”的比丘在此建立精舍。
- 婆罗浮屠的建筑风格与早期斯里兰卡佛教艺术高度相似。
Bahasa Indonesia (ID)
Sri Lanka (sebelumnya dikenal sebagai Ceylon) adalah negara pulau di Samudra Hindia. Ini memainkan peran penting sebagai perantara dalam transmisi Buddhisme dari India ke nusantara.
Sri Lanka dan Penyebaran Buddhisme
Pada abad ke-5 M, Sri Lanka menjadi pusat pembelajaran Buddhisme.
Koneksi Faxian (412 M)
Biksu Tiongkok Faxian menghabiskan lima bulan di Jawa dalam perjalanan pulang dari Sri Lanka.
Dinasti Sailendra-Sri Lanka (Abad ke-8–9)
Prasasti dari abad ke-8 menyebutkan biksu dari “Singhala” (Sri Lanka) di Jawa.
知识关联
- buddhism-in-indonesia · 佛教在印尼
- faxian · 法显
- yijing · 义净
- sailendra-dynasty · 夏连特拉王朝
- srivijaya · 三佛齐
- indian-ocean · 印度洋