Xuanzang | Great Tang Dynasty Record of the Western Regions | A Review
Xuanzang’s “Great Tang Dynasty Record of the Western Regions’-A Review
Xuanzang’s “Great Tang Dynasty Record of the Western Regions, Biographies of Eminent Monks” is an important historical text that provides valuable insights into the history, culture, and religion of Central Asia and India during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE) in China. The book, also known as “Da Tang Xiyu Ji” in Chinese, was written by Xuanzang, a Chinese Buddhist monk, who traveled to India during the 7th century in search of Buddhist scriptures and knowledge.
The book is divided into three parts: the first part is a record of Xuanzang’s journey from China to India, the second part is a detailed account of the places he visited and the people he met, and the third part contains biographies of more than two hundred eminent monks that he met on his journey.
One of the most notable aspects of Xuanzang’s book is its detailed description of the places he visited, including the geography, climate, people, customs, and religious practices. Xuanzang’s descriptions of the different countries and regions he visited, such as the kingdoms of Gandhara, Khotan, and Magadha, provide valuable insights into the political, social, and cultural conditions of those regions during his time.
Moreover, Xuanzang‘s descriptions of the Buddhist monasteries and temples he visited, as well as the Buddhist doctrines and practices he encountered, are particularly valuable to scholars of Buddhism. His book also includes descriptions of the different Buddhist schools and sects, including the Mahayana, Theravada, and Vajrayana traditions, as well as the practices of other religious traditions such as Jainism and Hinduism.
Another important aspect of Xuanzang’s book is its biographies of eminent monks, which provide valuable information about the lives and teachings of important Buddhist figures such as Nagarjuna, Vasubandhu, and Asanga. Xuanzang’s biographies are detailed and well-researched, and they provide a unique perspective on the intellectual and spiritual traditions of Buddhism during the Tang Dynasty.
Overall, Xuanzang’s “Great Tang Dynasty Record of the Western Regions, Biographies of Eminent Monks” is an important historical text that provides valuable insights into the history, culture, and religion of Central Asia and India during the Tang Dynasty. Xuanzang’s detailed descriptions of the places he visited, the people he met, and the religious practices he encountered make this book an invaluable resource for scholars of history, religion, and culture. 0 0 0.
Xuanzang Great Tang Dynasty Record of the Western Regions A Review
N.B. The article originally belongs to the book entitled ‘Reviews of Some Iconic Travelogues‘ by Menonim Menonimus.
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