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This fascinating study explores the profound influence of Indian thought on Far Eastern mythology, focusing on the dragon as a central figure. The author, M.V. de Visser, traces how Buddhism introduced Indian concepts—both Buddhist and non-Buddhist—into China and Japan. In China, Taoism readily absorbed these foreign elements, enriching and blending them with local legends. A similar process occurred in Japan when Buddhism arrived via Korea in the sixth century. Within a century, Japanese consciousness became saturated with Chinese and Indian ideas, which mixed with indigenous Japanese concepts.
The result is a complex tapestry, and the dragon emerges as the most ubiquitous mythical creature in Far Eastern art and literature. Remarkably, Japan features three distinct types of dragons: those of Indian, Chinese, and Japanese origin. This book offers a scholarly analysis of these traditions, helping readers untangle the intricate web of influences. Ideal for students of religion, folklore, or anyone captivated by Eastern mythology, this work provides deep insight into how dragons evolved across cultures.