佛教东传与中国的狮子文化

Eastward Transmission of Buddhism and Lion Culture in China

在中国文化史上有一个颇有意思的现象,就是在中国境内不产狮子动物,但关于狮子的文化艺术却源远流长、丰富多彩。这种产自异国他乡的动物之所以受到中国民众的青睐,与它在佛教中的地位,以及佛教在中国的传播有直接的关系。

There is an interesting phenomenon in ancient Chinese culture---Lion is not a native animal but Lion Culture is rich in China for a long time. People＇s love for this exotic animal has a direct connection with it＇s important place in Buddhism and Buddhism transmission.