Kucha and Termez—Caves for Mindful Pacing and Seated Meditation

Abstract

In this paper, by comparing the archaeological remains of meditation caves in Kucha and Termez and by referring to Buddhist literature, we aim at gaining a better understanding of how meditation was practiced in both regions. In Kucha and Termez the arid climate shifted between extreme summer heat and extreme winter cold, making the caves ideal choices for meditation. In Kucha, various types of meditation caves have been recorded. These include small cells for seated meditation, single corridors, and corridors that intersect to form a cross or an inverted U plan. The latter type is associated with a residence and a courtyard, which show many similarities with the complexes located in the mounds south and west of the monastery of Kara Tepe. Two possible uses of the corridor-shaped caves have been proposed based on various factors, such as the distance of the caves from the surface monastery, the similarity of the type, the presence of a courtyard in front of the caves, and the existence of a cell where a person could repose. Buddhist accounts remark on the importance of mindful pacing (Skt. caṅkrama; Chi. jingxing 經行) along with sitting meditation in the daily practice of bhikṣus. According to descriptions in the vinaya, we can infer the possibility of having several types of pathways for mindful pacing, besides the most common straight path. Note also that various ancient records of Buddhist monks mention monuments associated with mindful pacing. Drawing on both architectural remains of the investigated areas and textual evidence, we suggest that the carved corridors, both single and intersecting, might have been specifically designed for mindful pacing. In the better-preserved complexes, the length of the courtyard’s sides corresponds with that of the corridors. While the courtyard could have been utilized for various activities, the similarity in size between corridors and the courtyard hints at its potential use for mindful pacing in mild weather. Furthermore, because the Kara Tepe monastery could accommodate less than fifteen monks, the presence of several meditation complexes, each consisting of four intersecting corridors and a small cell, implies that these units were intended for a monk to live in seclusion for a period.