Picture
Picture Source : http://www.flickr.com/photos/prayitnophotography/
Xuan Zang (602-664 AD), the great Buddhist in Tang Dynasty, became a monk at thirteen. While learning, he found that Buddhist materials translated into Chinese were inadequate. So he decided to go to the faraway India to study.  In 627 AD, Xuan Zang set out from Chan’s (modern-day Xi’an). 

Experiencing numerous difficulties and passing over ten countries, he reached the destination four year later. After another 19 years, Xuan Zang finally returned to Chang’an, taking with him over 600 Buddhist scriptures, documents and many valuable goods. By this journey, Xuan Zang covered a total distance of over 100,000 kilometers and caused quite a stir in the Tang Empire. 

In the support of the Emperor Taizong and Gaozong, Xuan Zang, with dignitaries from famous temples, translated 75 Buddhist scriptures and analects which were in all 1335 volumes.  Xuan Zang’s journey to India was not only a pilgrimage to the holy Buddhits site, but also a quest for classic Buddhits scriptures and truthful knowledge of Buddhism. 

Xuan Zang made a great contribution to the Sino-Indian cultural exchange and his legendary pilgrimage to India is still popular today.