Chinese monks, dragons, and reincarnation: the hand of Juan Cobo in the cultural translation of Mingxin baojian 明心寶鑑 (Precious Mirror for Enlightening the Mind), circa 1590

Rachel Junlei Zhang, Juan Pablo Gil-Osle

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

This article examines the relationship between the manuscript translation of Mingxin baojian 明心寶鑑 (Precious Mirror for Enlightening the Mind) (circa 1590) by Juan Cobo (circa 1546–1592) and the Fujian book market in China. It explores the cultural implications of Cobo’s translation by focusing on the commentary he provided in the marginalia of the manuscript. By investigating Cobo’s translation and marginalia notes on three Chinese concepts—Chinese monks, dragons, and reincarnation—this article highlights the complex cultural issues present when the early Spanish missionaries in the Philippines negotiated with Chinese culture in their writings and publications.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)155-169
Number of pages15
JournalJournal of the Royal Asiatic Society
Volume34
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 18 2024

Keywords

  • Juan Cobo
  • Manila
  • Martín de Rada
  • Mingxin baojian
  • Sangley
  • book printing
  • cultural exchange
  • incunabula

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Cultural Studies
  • General Arts and Humanities

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