Research on the Evolution and Dissemination of Belief in Tejaprabhā Buddha in the Tang and Song Dynasties

Abstract: The Tejaprabhā Buddha was one of new Vajrayāna beliefs in the Tang Dynasty, appeared with the popularity of horoscope astrology. However, after the late Tang Dynasty, it widely spread in East Asia, people believed in it because it could eliminate disasters and soothe ghosts rather than rule all stars and constellations. In addition, two new Mahābalagu a-Tejaprabha-Tathāgata-rī-Dhāraī-Sūtra were discovered, written in Chinese and Tangut language, which absorbed the culture of Buddhism from Tibet and India. Meanwhile, they proved that there was a variety of cultural exchanges in the Tangut Empire at that time.