Xuanzang

Definition

Xuanzang was a Chinese Buddhist monk, scholar, and traveler who lived during the Tang dynasty (618-907 CE) and is best known for his pilgrimage to India to acquire sacred texts and knowledge about Buddhism. His journey significantly contributed to the spread of Buddhism in China, as he brought back numerous scriptures and played a vital role in translating these texts into Chinese.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Xuanzang's pilgrimage took place between 629 and 645 CE and covered over 10,000 miles through treacherous terrain, including deserts and mountains.
2. He spent 17 years in India studying under various Buddhist teachers and collecting scriptures, which he later translated into Chinese upon his return.
3. Xuanzang is credited with bringing back over 600 texts, which helped establish a more systematic understanding of Buddhism in China.
4. He is also known for his work 'Great Tang Records on the Western Regions,' which documents his travels and observations about Indian culture and Buddhism.
5. His efforts were instrumental in bridging the cultural gap between India and China, promoting the exchange of ideas and practices within Buddhism.

Review Questions

• How did Xuanzang's journey impact the understanding of Buddhism in China?
  • Xuanzang's journey greatly enhanced the understanding of Buddhism in China by bringing back a vast collection of Buddhist texts and teachings from India. His translations made these scriptures accessible to Chinese scholars and monks, fostering a deeper comprehension of Buddhist philosophy and practices. This influx of knowledge not only enriched Chinese Buddhism but also laid the foundation for further developments in Buddhist thought in China.
• Evaluate the significance of Xuanzang's translations on the development of Chinese Buddhism.
  • Xuanzang's translations were pivotal in shaping Chinese Buddhism, as they introduced key concepts and doctrines that were previously unknown or misunderstood. By translating texts such as the 'Heart Sutra' and 'Lotus Sutra,' he provided essential resources for Chinese monks and laypeople alike. His work established a more unified approach to Buddhist teachings in China, leading to greater theological clarity and influencing subsequent schools of thought.
• Assess how Xuanzang's interactions with Indian culture during his travels influenced his perspective on Buddhism and its practice in China.
  • Xuanzang's interactions with Indian culture enriched his understanding of Buddhism, allowing him to appreciate its diversity and complexity. His time spent studying with various teachers exposed him to different interpretations and practices of Buddhism, which he later synthesized with Chinese traditions. This blending of ideas not only informed his translations but also encouraged a more inclusive approach to Buddhism in China, promoting dialogue between different sects and fostering a more vibrant Buddhist community.

Related terms

Silk Road:

A network of trade routes that connected the East and West, facilitating the exchange of goods, culture, and ideas, including the spread of Buddhism.

Buddhism:

A major world religion founded in the 5th century BCE based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha), emphasizing spiritual development and the path to enlightenment.

Tripitaka: The traditional term for the Buddhist scriptures, which includes the Vinaya Pitaka, Sutta Pitaka, and Abhidhamma Pitaka, serving as foundational texts for Buddhist teachings.