Introduction

This chapter sets the stage for my research project on the evolution of team-based Buddhist scripture translation by providing an overview of its background. It includes a literature review and highlights the limited research on translation institutions during the Tang era. Referring to Andrew Chesterman’s theoretical framework for the sociological study of translation phenomena, this chapter outlines three historical categories of Buddhist translation teams in medieval China, emphasizing the significance of studying the “elite translation teams” of the Tang Dynasty. Moreover, it explains the research methodology and chapter outline, along with the importance of this project in understanding the cultural interaction between China and the Western Regions, reconstructing the history of collaborative translation, bridging gaps in Translation Studies, and appreciating the wisdom of ancient Buddhist translators.