佛曲【英】

Buddhist Songs (Foqu)

定义

宣传佛教教义的乐曲及讲唱类作品。大约均自西域传入，盛行于隋、唐。咒、偈、吟、赞杂用。后渐离开说教原意，成为娱乐性的讲唱。敦煌杂曲中尚保留部分作品。

A category of songs in chanting literature dedicated to expounding Buddhist doctrines. They were probably introduced into ancient China from the Western Regions, and were popular during the Sui and Tang Dynasties. They were known by different names such as zhou (mantra), ji (gatha or praising song), yin (chant), and zan (hymn of praise or praising verse). These songs gradually became dedicated to entertainment instead of preaching. Some Buddhist songs can still be found in the miscellaneous songs of Dunhuang.