Though, the Buddhist scriptures are great treasures, the Chinese would not have gained any benefit from it, if they were not translated in their own language. Moreover, if the scripts were translated in deviation to the Buddha's true teaching, the adverse effect to the learners and practitioners would have been detrimental. Thus, the translators were talented scholars with excellent knowledge in Buddhism, fluency in writing and proficiency in Sanskrit and Chinese, etc. The status of translators in Buddhism is comparable to many great Dharma masters, which is remarkable in history.
In summary, around 6000-7000 fascicles of the sutras were transmitted to China and translated in Chinese during 2nd century and 13th century. There were almost 200 prominent translators during those years. Amongst them, Kumarajiva was the most prominent one in the early years.
Before Kumarajiva, there have had several hundred sutras translated into Chinese. However, the profound doctrine of Buddhism was not yet transmitted, as the Chinese translators did not fully and truly understand what the Buddha taught. The translators inaccurately used terms from Taoism and Confucianism, which unfortunately misled or confused the readers. The situation changed when Kumarajiva started his translation works in China.
