Po-à Ârëmitra (Chinese å¸Â尸梨èÂÂå¤Âç¾ ) was a Kuchean prince turned Buddhist monk and translator who journeyed to China during the early 4th century CE. He is sometimes regarded as one of the earliest transmitters of esoteric dhÃÂraá¹Âë literature to China.
Born into the royal family of Kucha (é¾Âè²) in Central Asia, à Ârëmitra renounced his princely status in favor of his younger brother and adopted monastic life. Around 307âÂÂ312 CE, during the chaotic Yongjia era of the Western Jin dynasty, he traveled to southern China and settled at Jianchu Temple (建åÂÂ寺) in Jiankang (present-day Nanjing).
à Ârëmitra earned the nickname Gaozuo (é«Â座, "High Seat") for his dignified presence and scholarly reputation. He quickly garnered the respect of high-level officials and aristocrats, including Prime Minister Wang Dao, Yuwen and Du family members, and regional elites such as Yu Liang and Zhou Yi. His mannerâÂÂranging from casual to solemn depending on his interlocutorâÂÂwas admired for demonstrating both wisdom and cultural sensitivity.
He was skilled in chant and ritual arts and credited with teaching high-pitched Sanskrit chanting (梵åÂÂ) and translating early dhÃÂraá¹Âë texts, notably the Mahamayuri Vidyarajni Sutra ("Peacock King Sutra"), marking the introduction of esoteric ritual scripture in Southern China.
When high officials like Zhou Yi fell victim to Wang Dun's rebellion, à Ârëmitra visited their families personally, reciting esoteric chants at funeral ritesâÂÂearning admiration for his compassion and composure. He died in 343 CE (during the XianâÂÂkang era) at approximately age 80, and was interred at Shizigang. A monastery called Gaotzuo Temple (é«Â座寺) was later established at his burial site, reportedly by decree of Emperor Cheng of Jin.
à Ârëmitra's translations were instrumental in introducing early esoteric Buddhist literature to China. While many of his translations may be lost, several key texts are attributed to him in the Chinese Buddhist Canon (Taishà  Tripiá¹Âaka).
His most significant works include