七世紀中葉至八世紀初地藏造像論考
Textual Research on Ti-tsang’s Images in the period of 651-712 C.E.
尹富 (Fu Yin)



  In general, there are four stages in the development of the Ti-tsang cult in
China. The second stage, which is from 651 C.E. to 712 C.E., is the most significant. In the period of 581-650 C.E., praying to Ti-tsang was a prevalent religious devotional practice; while in the period of 651-712 C.E., there were many Ti-tsang images erected. Not only were these images numerous, their styles and shapes were also varied. They laid a foundation for the later image creations of Ti-tsang. This work discusses the prevalence of the creation of Ti-tsang images and its cause. As well, the variant styles and the causes behind these creations are considered. Also discussed are the devotional practices reflected in the Record for Image-creations during the period of 651-712 C.E..

Keywords:
the Ti-tsang cult; Ti-tsang’s images; the Record for Image-creations; Shih-lun ching; San-chieh chiao school