Xuanzang

Prominent Chinese Buddhist monk whose 17-year journey to India brought Buddhist texts to China, significantly influencing East Asian Buddhism and cultural exchange

Xuanzang (602–664 CE), also known as Hsüan-tsang, was a Chinese Buddhist monk, scholar, and traveler who played a pivotal role in the transmission of Buddhism from India to China. His epic 17-year journey to India during the Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE) not only enriched Chinese Buddhism but also fostered cross-cultural exchanges between China and South Asia.

Born in Henan Province, Xuanzang developed an early interest in Buddhist philosophy. Dissatisfied with incomplete translations of Buddhist sutras in China, he embarked on a perilous journey westward in 629 CE, defying a travel ban imposed by Emperor Taizong. His route followed the Silk Road, traversing deserts like the Gobi and crossing mountain ranges such as the Pamirs. According to historical records, he visited over 100 kingdoms and studied at Nalanda Monastery, the greatest center of Buddhist learning in India.

Xuanzang's 699 Buddhist texts brought back to China included critical works like the Prajnaparamita Sutra and Yogachara teachings. His translations, numbering 1,335 volumes, standardized Buddhist terminology and influenced East Asian thought for centuries. The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi'an stands as a monument to his achievements, built specifically to house his collected scriptures.

Beyond religion, Xuanzang's Great Tang Records on the Western Regions provided detailed geographical, political, and cultural accounts of Central Asia and India. This work remains invaluable for historians studying the Silk Road. His journey inspired the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West, cementing his legacy in popular culture.