“炳灵寺”得名来源考

On the Origin of Bingling Temple's Name

本文认为"炳灵"一词为藏语音译,而非汉语词,可与byams gling勘同。以往把"炳"字勘同于byams,从其"堆积"义,把炳灵解释为"积石之庙宇";从其"十万"义,把炳灵解释为"贤巴炳灵"的省称,即"弥勒十万佛之庙字",虽然有史料上的支撑,怛在对音上不大准确。而把"炳灵"勘同于藏语byams gling,即"弥勒寺",不仅从音理上可以说得通,也符合当时的历虫背景,并有炳灵寺石窟最大的佛像唐代许勒大佛佐证。

This article argues that 'Bingling',which can equal to byams gling,is not a Chinese word but the transliteration of a Tibetan word.In the past,' Bing' is considered the same as byams. Based on its meaning of 'stacking up',it is interpreted as 'a temple which collects and stores rich stones'.From its another meaning,'ten thousand',Bingling was interpreted as the abbreviation of ' Xiaba Bingling',in other words,it is 'a temple which boasts of ten thousand Buddhas '.Although it is supported by historical data,it is inaccurate in sound.While,equaling Bingling to byams gling in Tibetan,not only makes sense in sound but also accords with the then history background. Besides,the biggest Buddha,Maitreya of the Tang Dynasty in Bingling Temple Grottoes, can also serve as evidence.