Xuanzang | Nan Hai Ji Gui Zhu | A Review
Xuanzang’s ‘Nan Hai Ji Gui Zhu” or “Notes on the Western Regions of the Southern Sea’-A Review
Xuanzang’s “Nan Hai Ji Gui Zhu” or “Notes on the Western Regions of the Southern Sea” is an important historical document that provides a detailed account of Xuanzang’s travels to India and other regions in Central Asia during the 7th century. The book is divided into three volumes and contains detailed descriptions of the people, customs, geography, and political systems of the regions he visited.
One of the most notable features of the “Nan Hai Ji Gui Zhu” is its comprehensive and detailed account of India. Xuanzang spent several years in India, studying Buddhism and collecting texts, and his descriptions of the country are among the most detailed of any early Chinese accounts. He provides detailed accounts of the major cities, such as Benares and Pataliputra, as well as descriptions of important Buddhist sites such as Bodh Gaya and Sarnath. He also provides valuable insights into the social and political systems of the time, as well as the customs and traditions of the Indian people.
Another notable aspect of the book is its detailed account of the geography and peoples of Central Asia. Xuanzang’s travels took him through regions such as Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan, and his descriptions of the geography and people of these regions are among the earliest and most detailed accounts available. He also provides accounts of the various kingdoms and political systems of the region, as well as the customs and traditions of the various peoples he encountered.
Xuanzang‘s “Nan Hai Ji Gui Zhu” is also notable for its discussions of Buddhism. Xuanzang was a Buddhist monk, and his travels were largely motivated by a desire to study and collect Buddhist texts. His descriptions of the various Buddhist schools and practices he encountered in India and Central Asia are therefore among the most detailed and insightful of any early Chinese account. He also provides valuable insights into the development of Buddhist thought and practice, both in India and in China.
Overall, Xuanzang’s “Nan Hai Ji Gui Zhu” is an invaluable historical document that provides a wealth of information about the regions and peoples of Central Asia and India during the 7th century. Its detailed accounts of geography, politics, customs, and Buddhism make it an important source for historians and scholars of many fields, and it continues to be studied and appreciated today. 0 0 0.
Xuanzang Nan Hai Ji Gui Zhu A Review
N.B. The article originally belongs to the book entitled ‘Reviews of Some Iconic Travelogues‘ by Menonim Menonimus.
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