Xuanzang

Definition

Xuanzang was a Chinese Buddhist monk and scholar who lived during the Tang dynasty, best known for his 17-year pilgrimage to India to acquire Buddhist texts. His journey significantly contributed to the spread of Buddhism in China and the understanding of Indian culture, influencing both religious practices and artistic expressions in Chinese Buddhism.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Xuanzang left China in 629 CE and traveled through Central Asia to reach India, overcoming numerous challenges including harsh terrain and political instability.
2. He returned to China in 645 CE with a large collection of texts, including important Buddhist scriptures that were previously unknown in China.
3. His writings about his journey, known as 'Great Tang Records on the Western Regions,' provide valuable insight into the cultures he encountered along the way.
4. Xuanzang's translation work helped establish a foundation for Chinese Buddhist philosophy and practice, particularly the development of the Yogācāra school.
5. He is often depicted in Chinese art, most famously in murals and sculptures that celebrate his contributions to Buddhism and intercultural exchange.

Review Questions

• How did Xuanzang's pilgrimage influence the development of Buddhist art in China?
  • Xuanzang's pilgrimage introduced a wealth of new texts and ideas from India that enriched Chinese Buddhism. His translations and teachings emphasized certain Buddhist concepts that influenced artistic expression, leading to unique forms of representation in Buddhist art. This blending of styles and iconography can be seen in cave temples and sculptures that reflect both Indian origins and Chinese interpretations.
• Discuss the significance of Xuanzang's translations on the establishment of Buddhist cave temples in China.
  • Xuanzang's translations were critical in establishing the doctrinal basis for many Buddhist cave temples across China. By bringing back foundational texts and philosophies from India, he provided monks and artists with a framework to develop temple architecture and iconography that aligned with these teachings. The resulting cave temples not only served as places of worship but also as sites for education and cultural exchange, reflecting Xuanzang's lasting impact on Chinese sacred arts.
• Evaluate Xuanzang's role in shaping the relationship between China and India during the Tang dynasty through his pilgrimage and translations.
  • Xuanzang played a pivotal role in fostering a deeper understanding between China and India during the Tang dynasty through his dedicated efforts to acquire Buddhist texts directly from their source. His journey not only allowed for the transmission of sacred writings but also facilitated cultural exchange between the two civilizations. By sharing his experiences and translations upon his return, Xuanzang helped bridge gaps in knowledge and religious practices, significantly impacting both countries' cultural landscapes and laying the groundwork for future interactions between them.

Related terms

Silk Road:

An ancient trade route that connected China with the Mediterranean, facilitating cultural, commercial, and religious exchanges between different civilizations.

Tripitaka: The traditional term for the Buddhist scriptures, which Xuanzang sought to collect during his travels in India to enrich Chinese Buddhist teachings.

Buddhism:

A spiritual tradition and religion based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, or the Buddha, emphasizing the path to enlightenment and the importance of compassion and wisdom.