Dispute over the method of literal translation and that of free translation had a long history in China,in East Jin Dynasty Daoan(道安314-385),a well-known monk,was the representative of those who firmly advocated literal translation.Since he feared that free translation might not be true to the original,he advocated strict literal translation so as to preserve the true features.Works under his direction were typical of word-for-word translation,in which no alteration was made except accidental changes in word order.Kumariva(鸠摩罗344-413) advocated free translation.He was versed in both Sanskrit and Chinese,translated lots of Buddhist scriptures.His translations have great influence over Chinese philosophy and literature.In Tang Dynasty,famous monk and great translator Xuanzang(玄奘602-664)translated Sanskrit Buddhist scripture into Chinese.He made good use of both literal translation and free translation,he used addition,omission and other means in translation,and kept the meaning and sprit of the original.He set a brilliant example for his contemporaries and coming generations. Dispute over the method of literal translation and that of free translation had a long history in China, in East Jin Dynasty Daoan (道安 314-385), a well-known monk, was the representative of those who strongly advocated literal translation.Since he feared that free translation might not be true to the original, he advocated strict literal translation so as to preserve the true features. Works under his direction were typical of word-for-word translation, in which no alteration was made except accidental changes in word order.Kumariva (鸠摩罗 344-413) advocated free translation .He was versed in both Sanskrit and Chinese, translated lots of Buddhist scriptures .His translations have great influence over Chinese philosophy and literature.In Tang Dynasty, famous monk and great translated Xuanzang (玄 奘 602-664) translated Sanskrit Buddhist scripture into Chinese. He made good use of both literal translation and free translation, he used addition, omission and other means in translation, and kept the mea ning and sprit of the original. He set a brilliant example for his contemporaries and coming generations.