Hiuen Tsang came to India in the 7th century primarily to deepen his knowledge of Buddhism and to visit the sacred Buddhist sites in the country.
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Hiuen Tsang, also known as Xuanzang, was a renowned Chinese Buddhist monk, scholar, and traveler who embarked on a remarkable journey to India in the 7th century. He undertook this extensive pilgrimage primarily to deepen his knowledge of Buddhism and to visit the sacred Buddhist sites in the country.
One of the main motivations behind Hiuen Tsang’s journey to India was his desire to obtain authentic Buddhist scriptures. At that time, the teachings of Buddhism were not readily available in China, and Hiuen Tsang sought to bring back the original texts to his homeland. He believed that by studying these texts, he could gain a comprehensive understanding of Buddhism and help propagate the religion in China.
During his adventurous travels in India, which lasted for over 16 years, Hiuen Tsang visited numerous significant Buddhist centers and monasteries, engaging in scholarly discussions and exchanges with renowned Buddhist masters. He documented his experiences, observations, and spiritual insights in his illustrious work, “Great Tang Records on the Western Regions.” This masterpiece became a valuable resource for future generations, providing invaluable information about the history, culture, and religious practices of ancient India.
To further illustrate the significance of Hiuen Tsang’s journey, let us delve into some interesting facts:
- Hiuen Tsang traveled overland through treacherous terrains, facing numerous hardships and dangers on his way to India. His determination and devotion to knowledge inspired many subsequent travelers and scholars.
- His pilgrimage covered a vast distance of around 10,000 miles, taking him through modern-day China, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and finally India.
- Hiuen Tsang was warmly received by Indian kings and rulers, who recognized his scholarly pursuits and provided him with protection and patronage during his stay.
- He visited famous Buddhist centers such as Nalanda, Taxila, and Bodh Gaya, where he studied under eminent Buddhist scholars and deeply immersed himself in the teachings of Buddhism.
- The renowned Chinese pilgrim’s documentation of his travels and Buddhist studies have greatly contributed to the understanding of ancient India’s history, culture, and religion.
In reflecting on Hiuen Tsang’s inspiring journey, the words of the American historian John McRae resonate: “His extensive pilgrimage remains an important landmark of world culture, a major turning point in the history of East-West exchanges, and a profound act of faith.”
Table:
| Interesting Facts about Hiuen Tsang’s Journey to India |
|---|
| 1. Covered over 10,000 miles through treacherous terrains |
| 2. Documented his experiences in “Great Tang Records on the Western Regions” |
| 3. Received protection and patronage from Indian rulers |
| 4. Studied at renowned Buddhist centers like Nalanda and Taxila |
| 5. Contributed significantly to understanding ancient India’s history and culture |
Response to your question in video format
This YouTube video explores the life and adventures of Hiuen Tsang, a Chinese traveler who journeyed to India to study Sanskrit and Buddhism. Despite facing opposition and warnings, Hiuen Tsang persevered and became a renowned scholar at Nalanda University. He even defeated hundreds of scholars in a debate, earning the admiration of King Harshavardhan. After exploring India for 12 years, Hiuen Tsang successfully brought back numerous Buddhist texts and relics to China, becoming a cultural ambassador between Harshavardhan and the Tang dynasty. The video also introduces Afanasy Nikitin, the first Russian traveler to cross three seas to reach India.
There are alternative points of view
Hiuen Tsang or Xuanzang was a chinese buddhist monk who travelled over land from China to India during the reign of King Harsha Vardhan to obtain Buddhist scriptures.
Hiuen-Tsang, a Chinese traveller, visited India during the reign of Harsha. His primary aim was to gain knowledge of Buddhism and collect its religious texts. He visited places of Buddhist interest and secured authentic Buddhist scriptures.
Hiuen-Tsang, a Chinese traveller, visited India during the reign of Harsha. His object was to secure authentic Buddhist scriptures and visit places of Buddhist interest.
To establish political ties with India Answer: Option A Solution (By Examveda Team) The primary aim of the visit of Hiuen Tsang to India was to gain knowledge of Buddhism and collect its religious texts.
He decided to make travel in India because of quenching his thirst for knowledge of Buddism. India is the birthplace of Buddism, and also, he was very interested in Indian history and culture.
I am sure you will be interested in these topics
Who was Hiuen Tsang when did he visit India?
The reply will be: Hiuan Tsang (Yuan Chwang), a Chinese Buddhist pilgrim who came to India during the reign of King Harshabardhan. He was arriving in 630 A.D. he stayed for 15 years, studying Hinayana and Mahayana Buddhism in such monasteries as Kashmir, Sialkot, Kanauj, and Nalanda.
What is the major reason behind remembering Hiuen Tsang? He is recognised for his important contributions to Chinese Buddhism, his travels from 629 to 645 CE in India, his efforts to bring over 657 Indian books to China, and his translations of some of these works.
How did Hiuen Tsang find India?
He traveled to Afghanistan from India to other locations in Central Asia. Complete answer: Hiuen Tsang’s visit to India was mainly aimed at acquiring awareness of Buddhism and collecting its religious texts. He slipped away from there in 629 A.D, as he did not get the permission of the Chinese emperor to visit India.
Thereof, What did Hiuen Tsang wrote about India? Hiuen Tsang wrote about the religious condition of India as well. He described that Brahamanism, Buddhism and Jainism were all popular religions in India. There was complete tolerance among people of all religious faiths and people changed their religions voluntarily.
When did Hiuen Tsang visit India?
As an answer to this: The Chinese traveller Hiuen Tsang visited India during the period of emperor Harsha. When he went back to China, he wrote a detailed description of India during the reign of Harsha in his book ‘Si-yu-ki’ or ‘Record of the Western Countries’.
Subsequently, Who was Hiuen Tsang? Response to this: Hiuen Tsang was aChinese scholarwho visited India in the 5th Century CE. He wanted to understand the law of Buddha and for that he went on a pilgrimage. He was a brilliant person and he translated his texts into 74 works in 1,335 chapters. This article needs addition of vital information.
Simply so, Where did Hieun Tsang travel? Answer: Over the course of his travels in India, Hieun Tsang visited Kashmir, Punjab, Sarnath, Bodh Gaya, Kusinagara, Orissa, and Bengal among several other kingdoms and territories. Hieun Tsang also spent five years as a scholar at the University of Nalanda, eventually coming to the attention of Emperor Harshavardhana.
Simply so, When did Hiuen Tsang leave China? Response to this: After attending those two magnificent functions, Hiuen Tsang prepared to leave for China in 644 A.D., after having spent long fourteen years of his life on the soil of India. The emperor was sorry to part with the pilgrim. But he made elaborate arrangements for his safe return.