Identity, Belief, and Texts: Buddhist Lineages in Tang China's Stūpa Inscriptions

Abstract Taming (塔銘, stūpa inscriptions) in Tang China became a salient source for confirming the Buddhist identity of clerics and verifying laypeople's connection with Buddhism. During the Tang dynasty, the establishment of Buddhist lineages underwent significant development. Stūpa inscriptions provide the possibility of discerning the formulation of Buddhist lineages prior to the compilation of the lamp transmission record and Buddhist biographies. Early stūpa inscriptions contain fragmented references to Buddhist lineages, including elements like Buddhist titles, monastery names, and posthumous honors. Starting from the mid-eighth century, stūpa inscriptions began to provide more detailed accounts of master-disciple successions and clearly defined patriarchal lineages. With its meticulous investigation into the widespread popularity of stūpa inscriptions in Tang China, this article aims to examine stūpa inscriptions as a unique literary form by understanding them within their larger historical, religious, and social milieu.