Buddhist Historiography in China.

"Buddhist Historiography in China" by John Kieschnick explores the intersection of Buddhism and Chinese culture through the lens of historiography. The book examines how Chinese Buddhist historians shaped the writing of history by incorporating Buddhist personalities, narratives, and concepts. The author analyzes various aspects of Buddhist historiography, including the calculation of the Buddha's birthdate, the negotiation of different sources, the use of karma and prophecy in storytelling, and the transition from individual-focused histories to institutional and academic historiography. The book not only provides insights into Chinese Buddhist literature but also encourages readers to reconsider the nature of history itself. [Extracted from the article]