3 - The 8th Century And Comparative Study Of Buddhist Grotto In Hexi Area In Xinjiang

Xinjiang area and Hexi area are important grottoes distribution in China, not only having large number of grottoes, but also having prominent features of shape. As one of grotto shape and structure, monk caves are aiming for zen and are outstanding in region and the times. The researching of monk caves is not only to make up for the lack of research in our country grottoes, but also to help the further research of grottoes work.First, the background of the monk caves and the subject selection will be studied in this paper. And the necessity of the monk cave researching will be showed. Second, according to the existing survey of grottoes information, the distribution and feature of monk caves will be discussed. Third, according to shape and structure, the grottoes in the two areas will be classified by examples. On the basis, combining with the picture material, using the method of archaeological typology to analysis.the type evolvement of monk cave relations; Fourth,on the basis of the study above, the characteristics of the grotto structure will be compared. And the same and differences of the grottoes will be studied according to the regional and political factors. Finally, on the basis of the overall understanding of monk caves, the origin of the monk cave, the relationship with zen, temple and Buddhism culture wil be discussed.