The Brattleboro daily reformer. (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1913-1955, 1920-07-28

The article by Prof. Fryer, e ting
forth his reasons for belief in H.. -en-
tury visit to America by Buddhists, lol-
lows in part
"The direct evidence of this early
Buddhist mission, though chiefly based
on Chinese historical documents, covers
also the traditions, histories, religious be-
liefs and antiquities to be found in
America extending all the way down the
Pacific Coast from Alaska to Mexico, as
well as to many localities considerable
distance inland.
From early times the Chinese classics,
as well as the historical, geographical and
poeticaI works, allude to a country or
continent far to the east OF China under
the name OF Fusang, or Fusu.
The narrative OF only one visit to
Fusang is on record in Chinese history
namely that Of Hui Shen, a native OF
Cophene, or Cabu, which was the great
center of Buddhist missionary exertions
in early times. Since this account was
considered of sufficient importance to de
serve a place in the imperial archives
the LANG dynasty, and is handed down
with the full authority Of the great
Chinese historian. Ma TuanLin, there
should be no doubt as to its authenticity
The narrative states that there was
a Buddhist priest named Hui Shen,
originally native of Cabul, who, in the
year 400, A. d., during the reign of the
Emperor Yung Yuan, came from the
country of Fusang to Kngchow, the
capital of the dynasty OF Isl, situated on
the River Yangste The country being
in a state of revolution it was not until
the year SOP that he reached the court Of
~ of no / IN r
dynasty. The Emperor treated him as an
envoy from Fusang and deputed one of
the four principal fcudal lords, named
Yu Kie. to interrogate him concerning
the country and to take down his story
in writing
Among other things. Hui Shen said
that the people Of Fusang were formerly
in ignorance of the doctrines the Chinese
Emperor, Ia Ming of the Sung dynasty
or A. d. ass, there were five bikshus, or
Buddhist monks, from Cabul. who travelled
there and promulgated the knowledge
of the doctrines, books and images OF
Buddhism"
The story of Hui Shen is told in som
detail, but all descriptions of the country
of Fusang and its people and customs
mark them as applying to the Pacific
coast in general and Mexico in particular,
according to Prof. Fryer. Many names
and religious beliefs and customs of the
nations of Mexico Yucatan and Central
America show Asiatic influence, he says.
"When we come to look for visible
traces of Buddhism among the antiquities
of Mexico we are soon amply rewarded, y
Prof. Fryer's article continues. Images
and sculpturcd tablets, ornaments, tenn
| pies and pyramids abound that cannot
we'll be ascribed to any other source witt
the show of reason. Among these may
be mentioned: An image of Buddha at
| Palenque, sitting cross-legged on a seat
formed of two lions placed back to back
closely representing images found in India
and China: a perfect elephants head
scglDturcd on the walls at Palenque, tho
| elephant being the usual symbol OF Bud
| lha in Asia, and no elephants beinl
! 'ound in AMERICA; an elaborate elephant
faced god found omong the. Aztecs, whici
in evidently an imitation Of the Indial
image Of Conesha. Kansas CITY star.