Ancien Culture and Languages

Ancien Culture and Languages

Narrative Study and Thematic Analysis of A Narration of Buddha’s Birth

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 Institute for Humanities and Cultural Studies ,Tehran,Iran
2 Institute for Humanities and Cultural Studies.
3 Institute for Humanities and Cultural Studies
Abstract
A Narration of Buddha’s Birth is a translation of one the most significant texts in the Buddhist Sogdian language (Sogdian Text of Vessantara Jātaka). It belongs to the Eastern Middle Iranian Languages, subsequently several experts in ancient languages have repeatedly studied and analyzed it. However, as it cannot be classified a linear narrative without merits as it in fact. It narrates the ups and down of Buddha’s turbulence life, therefore it deserves an in-depth investigation from a Narrative Study’s point of view. In this article the author analyses the Buddhist Sogdian Narration with an emphasis upon an analytical perspective as well. The purpose of this thematic analysis is to acquire a more in-depth understanding of the themes used in the story, mainly because in parts it shows signs of the Iranian translator’s personal beliefs, while in parts matches the actual Buddhist beliefs. The original text only briefly touches upon these aspects. In this article the researcher uses analytical methods and library research to demonstrate the exclusive nature of the story’s unique narrative, which in turn makes it one of a kind in its counter parts and due to its unique narration, it is a combination of Iranian and Buddhist values.
Keywords

Volume 4, Issue 2 - Serial Number 7
news
March 2024
Pages 55-81

  • Receive Date 28 May 2023
  • Revise Date 16 September 2023
  • Accept Date 29 September 2023