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Cover of A Record of Buddhistic Kingdoms: Being an account by the Chinese monk Fâ-hien of his travels in India and Ceylon (A.D. 399-414) in search of the Buddhist books of discipline

A Record of Buddhistic Kingdoms: Being an account by the Chinese monk Fâ-hien of his travels in India and Ceylon (A.D. 399-414) in search of the Buddhist books of discipline

Written by Faxian

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BuddhismAsiaBuddhist pilgrims and pilgrimages

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About this book

"A Record of Buddhistic Kingdoms" by Faxian is a historical account written during the early 5th century. The narrative details the travels of the Chinese monk Faxian as he journeys through India and Ceylon in search of Buddhist texts and knowledge of the discipline. This work provides insights into the Buddhist practice and the cultural landscape of ancient South Asia, highlighting the monk's experiences, discoveries, and encounters with various Buddhist communities. The opening of this account sets the stage for Faxian’s epic pilgrimage, beginning with his departure from Chʽang-gan. He travels with companions through harsh terrains and demonstrates the struggles faced by pilgrims in ancient times, such as navigating the treacherous Gobi desert and confronting hostile environments. As they advance, Faxian recounts the growing number of monks encountered along the way and their diverse practices, emphasizing his primary aim of finding the complete Buddhist texts that are vital for the discipline. The reader is introduced to the challenges of that journey, making it apparent that this record will also serve as a rich historical document on Buddhism's travels and influence across regions.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in A Record of Buddhistic Kingdoms: Being an account by the Chinese monk Fâ-hien of his travels in India and Ceylon (A.D. 399-414) in search of the Buddhist books of discipline, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • informative
  • persevering
  • historical

Faxian's "A Record of Buddhistic Kingdoms" is a seminal historical account detailing the Chinese monk's perilous 15-year pilgrimage (399-414 AD) across Central Asia, India, and Ceylon. Driven by a profound desire to acquire complete Buddhist texts, particularly those concerning monastic discipline, Faxian meticulously records the landscapes, cultures, and especially the state of Buddhist practice in the regions he visited. The narrative chronicles his arduous journey, filled with encounters with diverse communities and ancient sites, providing an invaluable snapshot of early 5th-century South Asia. It stands as a testament to human perseverance and spiritual devotion, profoundly influencing subsequent Buddhist scholarship and East-West cultural exchange.

“Driven by an earnest desire to obtain the complete Buddhist texts, particularly those of the Vinaya, I set forth on this arduous journey.”

Key themes

Pilgrimage and Spiritual Quest
The entire narrative is framed by Faxian's spiritual quest to secure the complete Buddhist Vinaya texts, essential for the proper practice of monastic discipline in China. His journey is a physical manifestation of deep faith and devotion, enduring extreme hardships for the sake of the Dharma. It highlights the profound spiritual motivations that drove ancient travelers.
The Spread and State of Buddhism
The book serves as a critical historical document on the geographical spread and varied conditions of Buddhism in the early 5th century. Faxian meticulously records the presence of monasteries, the number of monks, the reverence for relics, and the adherence to Buddhist principles across Central Asia, India, and Ceylon, providing a unique snapshot of the religion at its historical heartland.
Perseverance in the Face of Adversity
Faxian's journey is a testament to extraordinary human resilience. He and his companions face unimaginable challenges: the harshness of the Gobi desert, treacherous mountain passes, dangerous sea voyages, illness, and the loss of fellow travelers. His unwavering determination to complete his mission, despite these obstacles, is a central thread.

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