University of California Press
Oakland, California
© 2024 by Stephanie Balkwill
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons [CC BY-NC-ND] license. To view a copy of the license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses.
Suggested citation: Balkwill, S. The Women Who Ruled China: Buddhism, Multiculturalism, and Governance in the Sixth Century. Oakland: University of California Press, 2024. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1525/luminos.192
Cataloging-in-Publication Data is on file at the Library of Congress
ISBN 978-0-520-40181-5 (pbk. : alk. Paper)
ISBN 978-0-520-40182-2 (ebook)
CONTENTS
Introduction
5. No Salvation in Buddhism
Character Index
ILLUSTRATIONS
TABLE
1. Chronology of Important Events in the Life of Empress Dowager Ling
MAP
1. Places and territories discussed that were under Northern Wei jurisdiction in the sixth century
FIGURES
15. Rubbing of #10 image stele from cave 133 at Maiji shan grottos
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I have been so lucky in my life to share not only my vocation of historical scholarship but also my profession as a researcher and teacher at a public university, with my husband, Diego Loukota. So many of the ideas in this book are Diego’s, just as was the invite for our first date. Our daughter, Remedios, may be the only third grader in California who knows anything at all about the Northern Wei or who has spent any time imagining the dusty oases of the Tarim Basin. My first acknowledgement must therefore go to them: Diego and Remedios, you constantly inspire me and I love you for it. My second acknowledgement must go to my larger family: To the family I was born into, the family I am married into, and the family I have made from my closest friends—you have all sustained me over the years that I have been writing this book. Now that the book is finished, I think that it is a poor repayment for your many years of service. I really hope you like it anyway.
To James Benn, my teacher: It seems to me an irony that in the scope of one lifetime I cannot repay the kindnesses you have shown me in this very same lifetime. For that, I can only say thank you. And to my other teachers: Rory O’Hagan who taught me to write, Ren Yuan who taught me diligence, Shayne Clarke who taught me precision, and Mark Rowe who taught me the value of challenge, I remain forever grateful. I hope that you all see yourselves in my work.
Many people have directly contributed to the success of this book. Diego has discussed every stage of it with me and has listened attentively to my frequent oration of all the many parts that I am still unsure about. Those who read full drafts and provided insightful comments include Megan Bryson, Keith Knapp, James Benn, Scott Pearce, Matthew Hayes, one other anonymous reviewer, and Eric Schmidt, my editor from the UC Press who has championed this book from day one. James, in particular, has read many drafts. Scott, in particular, has saved me from making countless embarrassing mistakes. Megan came up with the idea that formed the first part of the introduction, which is really the coolest part of the book. I have discussed pieces of this work with many colleagues, some of whom have also read chapters, drafts, and translations, or have either invited me to give research talks or responded to my talks in both formal and informal ways. Although there are too many colleagues to name in full, and in addition to those mentioned above, I owe special thanks to Lori Meeks, Kate Lingley, Wendi Adamek, Chen Jinhua, Gil Raz, Rick McBride, Amy Langenberg, Andy Chittick, Eric Greene, Nina Duthie, Yongshan He, and Li Lan.
Finally, though I have never met her and have not been able to track her down, Jennifer Holmgren’s pioneering research on the Northern Wei has undeniably provided the motivation for my own research. Dr. Holmgren’s work is daring and bold. Her name belongs among the names of the world’s top Sinologists. I hope this book somehow finds its way into her hands or the hands of her family.
That I am a scholar at all is entirely a result of Canadian public education; that I am now employed at a renowned public research institution is because of the ongoing support of individual administrators and colleagues who continue to make public institutions essential to social equity. At McMaster University, Doreen Drew is a wonder who probably doesn’t know how often I think about her and quietly thank her. At the University of Winnipeg, my colleagues in the Department of Religion and Culture have been my most energetic cheerleaders even though I have traded their adamantine Manitoba winters for the sunny shores of California. At UCLA, it has been a tremendous honor to work with colleagues whose research I admire and whose commitment to academic excellence is matched only by their human-heartedness. In particular, I wish to thank Robert Buswell and William Bodiford for the opportunity to come to UCLA and for the mentorship that they have shown me since I arrived here.
Just as I was finishing this manuscript, my life changed in such a way that I was forced to confront the Buddha’s teachings on impermanence and suffering; that I have been able to see this book to publication during my tumult through saṃsāra is a testament to the power of community. To those who have sent food and emails, who have made all kinds of support available to me, who phone and who write and who care, and to those colleagues who have taken on extra work on my behalf, I am profoundly grateful.
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