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.