It goes without saying that Buddhist `sutras` have exerted strong influence on Chinese literature. The `Vimalakirti sutra` itself has been regarded as a literary Buddhist `sutra` which has strong flavors of novel and drama. This paper is divided into three parts to deal with the relation of the `Vimalakirti Sutra` to Chinese literati，literature，and art.
1. The `Vimalakirti Sutra` has been regarded highly by the literati since its introduction into China. This paper examines the different modes of appreciation and reception by representative literati of different dynasties. `Vimalakirti` exemplifies the way of life in which secular life is harmonized with renunciation of the world. This attitude opens a new ideal world of spiritual life to which the Chinese literati have aspired.
2. Of all the pien-wens derived from Buddhist `sutras`，those related to the `Vimalakirti Sutra` are the most famous and play an important role in literary history. This paper examines six extant pien-wens derived from the `Vimalakirti Sutra` and analyzes their editions, structures and contribution to Chinese literature.
3. The `Vimalakirti Sutra` has been the subject of Chinese art including many extant relics at Yun-kang，Lung-men，and Ch'ien-fo-tung. This paper discusses the iconography of the `Vimalakirti` in literati paintings, stone sculpture，and wall paintings of various periods at different sites.
