Po-Srimitra


Po-Śrīmitra was a Kuchean prince turned Buddhist monk and translator who journeyed to China during the early 4th century CE. He is sometimes regarded as one of the earliest transmitters of esoteric dhāraṇī literature to China.

Life

Born into the royal family of Kucha in Central Asia, Śrīmitra renounced his princely status in favor of his younger brother and adopted monastic life. Around 307–312 CE, during the chaotic Yongjia era of the Western Jin dynasty, he traveled to southern China and settled at Jianchu Temple in Jiankang.
Śrīmitra earned the nickname Gaozuo for his dignified presence and scholarly reputation. He quickly garnered the respect of high-level officials and aristocrats, including Prime Minister Wang Dao, Yuwen and Du family members, and regional elites such as Yu Liang and Zhou Yi. His manner—ranging from casual to solemn depending on his interlocutor—was admired for demonstrating both wisdom and cultural sensitivity.
He was skilled in chant and ritual arts and credited with teaching high-pitched Sanskrit chanting and translating early dhāraṇī texts, notably the Mahamayuri Vidyarajni Sutra, marking the introduction of esoteric ritual scripture in Southern China.
When high officials like Zhou Yi fell victim to Wang Dun's rebellion, Śrīmitra visited their families personally, reciting esoteric chants at funeral rites—earning admiration for his compassion and composure. He died in 343 CE at approximately age 80, and was interred at Shizigang. A monastery called Gaotzuo Temple was later established at his burial site, reportedly by decree of Emperor Cheng of Jin.

Translated works

Śrīmitra's translations were instrumental in introducing early esoteric Buddhist literature to China. While many of his translations may be lost, several key texts are attributed to him in the Chinese Buddhist Canon.
His most significant works include
  • Fóshuō Guàndǐng Bānruòbōluómì Jīng, often known simply as the Guanding Sutra. This is a large compilation of 12 separate texts dealing with various dhāraṇīs, consecration rituals, and instructions for protecting the faithful and the state. It contains methods for creating mandalas, summoning spirits, and achieving worldly and spiritual benefits. It is considered one of the foundational texts of Chinese Esoteric Buddhism.
  • Mahamayuri Vidyarajni Sutra . This is an early, short version of what would later be expanded into the famous Mahāmayūrī Vidyārājñī Sūtra. It contains the core narrative of the monk Svāti being saved from a snakebite by the Buddha's recitation of the Peacock King's dharani.
  • Dà Guàn Dǐng Shén Zhòu Jīng or ''Sutra of the Great Consecration Spirit Incantations''