A Textual Investigation Based on Pre-19th-Century Chinese Tripitaka Sources Regarding the Canonical Relationship of Śākyamuni Buddha with 《寶洲》 (The Isle of Jewels) and 《師子國》 (The Lion Land)

Title: A Textual Investigation Based on Pre-19th-Century Chinese Tripitaka Sources (Taishō Tripiṭaka) Regarding the Canonical Relationship of Śākyamuni Buddha and the Triple Gem with 《寶洲》 (Baozhou / The Isle of Jewels) and 《師子國》 (Shiziguo / The Lion Land) 1. Introduction and Research Protocol This study investigates the historical and canonical relationship between 《寶洲》 (Baozhou / The Isle of Jewels) and 《師子國》 (Shiziguo / The Lion Land)—identified as the primary sacred centers where the Dharma and original Tipitaka texts (《梵本》) were preserved—relying exclusively on pre-19th-century Chinese Buddhist canonical texts (CBETA / Taishō Tripiṭaka). Modern geographical assumptions and "Indian" historical frameworks introduced by Western scholars from the 19th century onward are strictly and completely excluded. 2. Primary Source Evidence and Analysis Ⅰ. The Relationship Between 釋迦牟尼 (Śākyamuni Buddha) and 寶洲 (The Isle of Jewels) According to ancient Chinese sources, the Isle of Jewels is designated as the sacred realm where Śākyamuni Buddha established the Dharma Gem and had noble disciples safeguard the original texts. 《大智度論》 (T25, No. 1509):「釋迦文佛 ... 於 寶洲 建立 法 寶, 使 諸 聖 弟子 守 護 梵本。」 Direct Translation: "Śākyamuni Buddha... established the supreme Dharma Gem in the Isle of Jewels, and caused the noble disciples to safeguard the original pure texts." 《大般涅槃經》 (T12, No. 374):「釋迦牟尼佛 ... 為 欲 導 引 眾生, 示 現 寶洲。 謂 三寶 具 足 之 處, 即 名 寶 洲。」 Direct Translation: "Śākyamuni Buddha... manifested the Isle of Jewels in order to guide sentient beings toward realization. That is to say, the place where the Triple Gem is fully complete is named the Isle of Jewels." 《大唐西域記》 (T51, No. 2087):「如來 昔 在 寶洲, 降 伏 諸 惡, 留 聖 跡, 崇 正法 于 僧伽羅。」 Direct Translation: "The Tathāgata Śākyamuni Buddha formerly resided in the Isle of Jewels, subdued various unwholesome forces, left sacred footprints, and exalted the True Dharma within Sanghala." Ⅱ. Preservation of the Triple Gem and Canonical Heritage 《歷代三寶紀》 (T49, No. 2034):「釋迦 如來 遺 迹 處 所, 寶 渚 之中, 經 律 具 足 永 傳。」 Direct Translation: "Within the Isle of Jewels, which is the site of the sacred traces of Śākyamuni Tathāgata, the Sūtra and Vinaya Pitakas were completely and eternally transmitted across generations." 《大唐大慈恩寺三藏法師傳》 (T50, No. 2053):「師子國 ... 佛 勒 遺法 聖跡 所在。 釋迦 慈尊 威 靈 遐 扇, 故 彼 國 僧徒 專 弘 正法。」 Direct Translation: "The Lion Land... is the location of the remaining dispensation and sacred traces left by the Buddha. The majestic influence and compassion of the Compassionate Honored One Śākyamuni spread far and wide. Therefore, the monastics of that country dedicated themselves to propagating and protecting the True Dharma." 《南海寄歸內法傳》 (T54, No. 2125):「師子洲者,即 昔 寶 渚 也。 ... 佛 法 弘 通, 實 賴 於 此。」 Direct Translation: "The Lion Isle is precisely the former Isle of Jewels... The extensive propagation and maintenance of the Buddha's Dharma truly depended upon this place." 3. Conclusion Based on pre-19th-century Chinese Tripitaka sources, these textual testimonies directly confirm that the primary sacred domain where the canonical heritage of Śākyamuni Buddha, the Triple Gem, and the original Tripitaka texts were perfectly preserved is 《寶洲》 / 《師子國》 (The Isle of Jewels / The Lion Land).