Xuanzang, also known as Xuanzang Sanzang, was a Chinese Buddhist monk, scholar, traveler, and translator who lived during the Tang Dynasty (618-907). He is best known for his seventeen-year pilgrimage to India in search of Buddhist scriptures. Xuanzang is also remembered for his translations of Buddhist texts into Chinese, which helped to spread Buddhism in China.
Xuanzang was born in 602 in Henan province, China. His family was of noble descent, and his father was a government official. As a young man, Xuanzang was deeply interested in Buddhism and studied the teachings of the Indian monk Kumarajiva. He was so inspired by Kumarajiva's teachings that he decided to travel to India to study Buddhism in its original form.
In 629, Xuanzang set out on his journey to India. He traveled through Central Asia, crossing the Taklamakan Desert and the Pamir Mountains. He visited many Buddhist monasteries and studied with various Buddhist masters. He also visited the great cities of India, such as Pataliputra (modern-day Patna), Varanasi, and Bodh Gaya.
During his travels, Xuanzang encountered many difficulties. He was robbed of his possessions and was even imprisoned for a time. He also faced danger from wild animals and bandits. Despite these hardships, Xuanzang persevered and eventually reached India in 645.
In India, Xuanzang studied Buddhist scriptures and translated them into Chinese. He also wrote a book about his travels, entitled Great Tang Records on the Western Regions. This book is an important source of information about the history and culture of Central Asia and India during the Tang Dynasty.
Xuanzang returned to China in 645, bringing with him 657 Buddhist texts. He was welcomed back with great honor and was appointed as the abbot of the White Horse Monastery in Luoyang. He spent the rest of his life translating the scriptures he had brought back from India. His translations helped to spread Buddhism in China and are still studied today.
Xuanzang's legacy lives on in China and beyond. He is remembered as a great scholar and traveler who helped to spread Buddhism in China. His story has been the subject of many books, films, and plays, and he is often referred to as the “Monk Who Crossed the Desert”. Xuanzang's travels and translations have had a lasting impact on Chinese culture and religion.