Xuanzang's Journey to the Western Regions (629-645)

1. 1. Chang'an

   Today: Xi'an, Shaanxi, China · Arrived 1 January 629 · position reconstructed

   Fa-Hian, after years of travel in India and other lands, returned to Chang'an, bringing with him sacred Buddhist books and images. He was received with honor and exhibited the texts he had brought back.

   Fa-Hian, leaving Chang’an, was five years in arriving at Mid-India. He resided there during six years, and was three years more before he arrived at Tsing-Chow. He had suc- cessively passed through nearly thirty different countries. In all the countries of India, after passing the sandy desert, the dignified carriage of the priesthood and the surprising influence of religion cannot be adequately de- scribed. But because our learned doctors had not heard of these things, he was induced, regardless of personal risk, to cross the seas, and to encounter every kind of danger in returning home. Having been preserved by divine power (hy the three honourable ones), and brought through ^1 dangers safely, he was further induced to commit

   Also called at by Faxian — who called it “Ch’ang-gan”. Identified as Chang'an

   Why is this position reconstructed?

2. 2. gem-gate

   Today: Jade Gate (Yumen Pass), Gansu, China · Arrived 1 January 629 · position reconstructed

   After a long and perilous journey, the traveler arrived at the frontier of China, known as the gem-gate, where foreign envoys and travelers would present tribute and pay homage to the emperor.

   How difficult to recount the list of those who, coming from far, after encountering the greatest perils {difficulties)^ knock at the gem-gate with the choice tribute of their country and pay their reverence to the emperor Wherefore, after he {Hiuen Tsiang) had travelled afar in search of the law, in his moments of leisure he has preserved these records of the character of the lands {visited).

3. 3. Kiu-mi-to

   Today: Hami (Kumul), Xinjiang, China · Arrived 1 January 629 · position reconstructed

   The surviving testimony does not cover this stage — help us find one.

   The record survives. Why is this stage empty?

4. 4. Turf an

   Today: Turpan, Xinjiang, China · Arrived 1 January 629 · position reconstructed

   Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsiang) arrived at Turf an, the capital of the Uigur country, after passing through Hami and Pidshan on his westward journey.

   Having passed Hami and Pidshan, keeping west- ward, he comes to Turf an, tho capi- tal of the Uigur country. He then advances to ’O-ki-ni.

5. 5. Kiu-chi (Kuche)

   Today: Kuqa, Xinjiang, China · Arrived 629-630 · position reconstructed

   The traveler arrived at Kiu-chi (Kuche), completing a significant stage of his journey by foot, where his virtuous conduct drew admiration from the local people.

   And why not ? in the case of one wdio had gone alone and afoot from Ku, and liad completed such a mission by stages of myriads of li !

6. 6. O-ki-ni

   Today: Aksu, Xinjiang, China · Arrived 1 January 630 · position reconstructed

   Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsiang) advanced to O-ki-ni after passing through Turf an (Turfan) on his westward journey along the northern Silk Road, as described in his life and the Records of Western Countries.

   He then advances to ’O-ki-ni. ^ ’O-ki-ni. This may otherwise be written Wu-ki.' Julien writes Yen-ki, The symbol wu is said sometimes to have the sound yen. This country corresponds to K arshar, or Kara-shahr, near the lake Tenghiz (Bagarach).

7. 7. Pu-ho

   Today: Kashgar, Xinjiang, China · Arrived 1 January 630 · position reconstructed

   The traveler arrived at Pu-ho (Kashgar), where he remained for some days examining sacred relics of his religion before departing southwards.

   eded, in company with some priests from Balkh, to that city (Po-ho). Here he remained exa- mining the sacred relics of his re- ligion for some days. From this he departs southwards along the Balkh river to Dara-gaz, and there enter- ing the mountains, he proceeds still southwards to B&miyAn.

8. 8. K’ie-p’an-to

   Today: Tashkurgan, Xinjiang, China · Arrived 1 January 630 · position reconstructed

   After leaving the Pamir valley and traveling southeast through uninhabited, mountainous terrain for 500 li, the travelers arrived at the kingdom of K’ie-p’an-to, which corresponds to the area of modern Tashkurgan.

   On leaving the midst of this valley and going south- east, along the route there is no inhabited place (no men or village) Ascending the mountains, traversing the side of precipices, encountering nothing but ice and snow, and thus going 500 li we arrive at the kingdom of K’ie- p’an-to.

9. 9. SX-MO-KiEN (Samarkand)

   Today: Samarkand, Uzbekistan · Arrived 1 January 630 · position reconstructed

   The surviving testimony does not cover this stage — help us find one.

   The record survives. Why is this stage empty?

10. 10. Po-ho

    Today: Balkh, Afghanistan · Arrived 630-631 · position reconstructed

    Hiuen Tsiang visited the city of Balkh (Po-ho), where he examined sacred Buddhist relics for several days before departing southwards along the Balkh river toward Dara-gaz and Bamiyan.

    eded, in company with some priests from Balkh, to that city (Po-ho). Here he remained exa- mining the sacred relics of his re- ligion for some days. From this he departs southwards along the Balkh river to Dara-gaz, and there enter- ing the mountains, he proceeds still southwards to B&miyAn.

11. 11. Bamiyan

    Today: Bamiyan, Afghanistan · Arrived 1 January 631 · position reconstructed

    The traveler visited Bamiyan, where he observed the famous rock-hewn figures of Buddha, which have been objects of curiosity for centuries.

    These rock - hewn figures of Buddha in Bamiyan have been objects of curiosity down to the present day.

12. 12. Kapisa

    Today: Kapisa (near Kabul), Afghanistan · Arrived 1 January 631 · position reconstructed

    The traveler arrived at the kingdom of Kapisa, a region noted for its mountainous terrain and its people who breed large horses and sheep. The account describes the geography, the customs of the inhabitants, and the transition from India to the northwest frontier.

    Leaving this country and going north-west, after tra- versing great mountains and crossing wide valleys, and passing a succession of smaller towns, and going 2000 li or so. we leave the frontiers of India and come to the kingdom of Tsau-ku-ta.

13. 13. Po-lu-sha-pu-lo

    Today: Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan · Arrived 1 January 631 · position reconstructed

    Xuanzang visited the capital of Gandhara, called Po-lu-sha-pu-lo, which is identified as modern Peshawar. He described the city, its Buddhist relics, and the famous pipala tree where the four past Buddhas were said to have sat.

    The capital of the country is called Po-lu-sha-pu-lo ; “ it is about 40 li

    Also called at by Faxian — who called it “Gandhara”, Faxian — who called it “Purushapura, or Peshawur”. Identified as Peshawar

14. 14. Su-ho-to

    Today: Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan · Arrived 1 January 631 · position reconstructed

    Fa-Hian and his companions stopped in the country of Su-ho-to (Swat) during the rains, and after the rains ended, they traveled southward. This place was revered as the site where, in a former life, the Bodhisattva cut his flesh to ransom a dove, and a stupa was built to commemorate the event.

    hadow and Nagarahfira, Fa-hian and the rest stopped in this country during the rains • when over, they went down south to the country of Su-ho-to.** IX. In this country also the law of Buddha flourishes. This is the place where, in old days, ^akra, ruler of D6vas, made apparitionally the hawk and dove, in order to try Bod- hisattva, who cut off his flesh to ransom the dove. Buddha, when he perfected wisdom, going about with his disciples, spoke thus : “ This is the place where, in a former birth, I cut my flesh to ransom the dove.” From this the people of the country getting to know the fact, built a stdpa on the spot, and adorned it with gold and silver.

15. 15. the royal city

    Today: Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan · Arrived 1 January 631 · position reconstructed

    The traveler visited the royal city, described its proximity to Buddhist relic sites, and recounted the construction of a pagoda by Ashoka to enshrine sacred relics associated with Buddha's self-sacrifice.

    One hundred and odd li to the south of the royal city is the place where Buddha (Julai), formerly residing in the Mo-hiu country, peeled oflf his skin for the purpose of writing upon it, and extracted (broke off) a bone of his body for the purpose of writing with it^ A^fika-rftja raised a pagoda on this spot for the purpose of enclosing these sacred relics.

    Also called at by Faxian — who called it “Gandhara”, Faxian — who called it “Purushapura, or Peshawur”. Identified as Peshawar

16. 16. Taxila

    Today: Taxila, Punjab, Pakistan · Arrived 1 January 631 · position reconstructed

    The city of Taxila is described as a significant and wealthy city, visited by various historical figures and noted for its temples and antiquities. The account references its location and importance in the context of Buddhist pilgrimage and historical geography.

    e size and wealth of the city of Td(t\a (Arrian, Anab, Alex,, lib. v. c. 8 ; Btrabf\ Geog,, lib. xv c. i. 17, and a8; Pliny» Hid, Aai,, lib. vi c. 1 7, 62, and c. 23 ; Ptolemy, Gtog., lib. vii. I, 45 ; Dionysius Perig , 1141). Apollonius and Damis are said also to have visited Taxila about A.D. 45. Philostratus describes the carvings and pictures of a temple near the town, representing scenes from the conflict of Porus with Alex- ander (cap. 20, p. 71, ed. Olearii, 1709). For further remarks on the ruins and antiquities see Cunning- ham, op, cit., pp. 104 f, M. V. de Martin, relying on the measure- ments given by Pliny derived from the records of Alexander’s expedition, places Taxila at Has- san - Abdal, eight miles north- west of Sbah-dheri (vid. Mimoirt, p. 319) ; conf. Wilson, .drtana Ant,, p. 196 ; J, R. A, S,, vol. V. p. 118; Bumouf, Introd, pp. 322 f., 332,

    Also called at by Faxian — who called it “Takshasila”. Identified as Taxila

17. 17. Jalandhara

    Today: Jalandhar, Punjab, India · Arrived 1 January 633 · position reconstructed

    The traveler passed through wild deserts and dangerous defiles, crossing the great river Sindhu, to come to the kingdom of Sindh, after going in a backward direction to the country of Kiu-che-lo (Guijjara) and then proceeding northward. This route would have taken him through the region of Jalandhara.

    From this, going in a backward direction to the country of 'Kiu-che-lo (Guijjara) and then proceeding northward 272 RECORDS OF WESTERN COUNTRIES, [book xi. through wild deserts and dangerous defiles about iqoc li, crossing the great river Sin-tu, we conISl to the kingdom of Sin-tu (Sindh).

18. 18. Mathura

    Today: Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India · Arrived 1 January 633 · position reconstructed

    The surviving testimony does not cover this stage — help us find one.

    The record survives. Why is this stage empty?

19. 19. Kanyâkubja

    Today: Kannauj, Uttar Pradesh, India · Arrived 1 January 634 · position reconstructed

    After ninety days of travel, the party arrived at the city of Kanyâkubja (Kannauj) on the western shore of the Ganges, where a great assembly of kings, priests, and officials gathered for a religious event organized by King Śīlāditya. Significant religious structures, including a sanghārāma and a precious tower with a golden Buddha statue, had been constructed for the occasion.

    After ninety days they arrived at the city of Kany&knbja, (and rested) on the western shore of the Ganges river, in the middle of a flowery copse. Then the kings of the twenty countries who had received instruction from ^iladitya-rflja assembled with the ^ramanas and Bralimans, the most distinguished of their country, with magistrates and soldiers. The king in advance had constructed on the west side of the river a great saiighd- rdma, and on the east of this a precious tower about lOO feet in height; in the middle he had placed a golden statue of Buddha, of the same height as the king himself.

20. 20. Jetavana vihdra

    Today: Jetavana Monastery ruins, Sravasti, Uttar Pradesh, India · Arrived 1 January 634 · position reconstructed

    The traveler visited the Jetavana vihara, the renowned monastery at Sravasti, where Buddha resided for a long time and expounded the law. The site was described in detail, including its gates, garden, and commemorative towers marking places where Buddha walked or sat.

    The great garden enclosure of the Jetavana vihdra has two gates, one opening towards the east, the other towards the north. This garden is the plot of ground which the noble Sudatta bought after covering it with gold coins. The chapel is in the middle of it ; it was here Buddha resided for a very long time, and expounded the law for the salvation of men.

21. 21. Kapilavastu

    Today: Tilaurakot, Nepal · Arrived 1 January 634 · position reconstructed

    The travelers arrived at the city of Kapilavastu, which was described as deserted except for a congregation of priests and a few lay families, with ruins and commemorative towers marking sites from the Buddha's life.

    In this city there is neither king nor people ; it is like a great desert.^ There is simply a congregation of priests and about ten families of lay people. On the site of the ruined palace of Su- ddhddana there is a picture of the prince’s mother, whilst the prince, riding on a white elephant, is entering the womb, . Towers have been erected on the following spots : where the royal prince left the city by the eastern gate ; where he saw the sick man ; and where he caused his chariot to turn and take him back to his palace.

    Also called at by Faxian. Identified as Kapilavastu

22. 22. Lumbini

    Today: Lumbini, Rupandehi District, Nepal · Arrived 1 January 634 · position reconstructed

    The traveler visited Lumbini, identified as the birthplace of Buddha, and described the origins of its name and its significance in Buddhist tradition.

    This garden was Buddha’s birthplace. 'Dae name Lumbinl is said to have been derived from that of the wife of Suprabuddha ; his daughter was M&y&, the mother of Buddha.

23. 23. Kushinagara

    Today: Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, India · Arrived 1 January 634 · position reconstructed

    The chronicler describes the site of Buddha's Nirvana at Kushinagara, mentioning a record relating the circumstances of his Nirvana and a pillar erected by Ashoka. The site is discussed in relation to its location and historical significance.

    record relating the circumstances of his Nirvdna. It was erected by Afioka-rSja.

24. 24. Vaiśālī

    Today: Vaishali, Bihar, India · Arrived 1 January 634 · position reconstructed

    The pilgrim describes the ruins and location of ancient Vaiśālī, noting its old foundations, royal precincts, and its position east of the Gandak river, identifying it with the present village of Besarh.

    Its old foundations are from 60 to 70 li in circuit. The royal precincts are about 4 or 5 li round ; there are a few people living in it. North-west The pilgrim must have crossed the Gandak on the west to the Ma- the Gandak river, not the Ganges, h&nadt on the east) from an early This river flows within 12 miles of period j how early we cannot say, Degwara, the probable site of the lout as early as the redaction of the Dr6na stHpa. Vaisali, therefore, is Buddhist books at least. ^J'hey may to the east of the Gandak, and is have been allied to the Viddhals, placed by Cunningham on the site the Yue-chi of Chinese authors, of the present village of Bes^rh, (See /.ie.44.5., N.S., vol. xiv. part ii.) where there is an old ruined fort This is much in excess of the

    Also called at by Faxian — who called it “Vaisali”. Identified as Vaishali

25. 25. Kusumapura

    Today: Patna, Bihar, India · Arrived 1 January 634 · position reconstructed

    Xuanzang visited Kusumapura, the ancient city now known as Patna, where he observed Buddhist temples and sites associated with Ashoka and Nagarjuna, and described the religious practices and notable figures connected to the city.

    Not far to the south of the city is an old sanghdrdma, by the side of which is a stdpa that was built by A^6ka- r4ja. In this place Tath^gata, of old, calling an assembly, exhibited his supernatural power and subdued the unbe- lievers. Afterwards NS,gS.rjuna Bodhisattva {Long- meng-p’u-sa) dwelt in the sanghdrdma. The king of the country was then called Sadvaha.^ He greatly prized and .esteemed NSg&rjuna, and provided him with a city- gate hut.^®

    Also called at by Faxian — who called it “Pataliputtra”. Identified as Patna

26. 26. Gridhrakuta

    Today: Rajgir, Bihar, India · Arrived 1 January 640 · position reconstructed

    The traveler visited the hill called Gridhrakuta (Vulture Peak) near Rajagriha, where Buddha used to sit in meditation and where several caves associated with Buddha and his disciples still existed.

    Entering the valley and striking the mountains towards the south-east, ascending 15 li we arrive at the hill called Gridhrakfita. Three li from the top is a stone cavern facing the south. Buddha used in this place to sit in meditation.®® Thirty paces to the north-west is another stone cell in which Ananda practised meditation.

    Also called at by Faxian — who called it “New Rajagriha”. Identified as Rajgir

27. 27. the Bodhi Tree

    Today: Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India · Arrived 1 January 640 · position reconstructed

    The surviving testimony does not cover this stage — help us find one.

    The record survives. Why is this stage empty?

28. 28. P’o-lo-ni-sse (Bdnaras)

    Today: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India · Arrived 1 January 640 · position reconstructed

    Xuanzang arrived at P’o-lo-ni-sse (Benares/Varanasi), describing it as a significant Buddhist center and recounting traditions and relics associated with the Buddha's visits and teachings.

    Going 500 li through the great forest we come to the kingdom of P’o-lo-ni-sse (Bdnaras). In Chinese, Wang-she-ch’ing.

29. 29. Kamarupa

    Today: Assam, India · Arrived 1 January 641 · position reconstructed

    Xuanzang visited Kamarupa, where he found about twenty Buddhist monasteries with around 3,000 monks, as well as numerous temples of other sects. He noted the presence of a prominent monastery west of the capital, housing about 700 monks who studied the Great Vehicle.

    esteem learning. There are about twenty saiighdrdmas, with some 3000 priests ; they study both the Little and Great Vehicle. There are some hundred Dgva temples, where sectaries of different schools congregate. The naked ITirgranthas are the most numerous. To the west of the capital 20 li or so is the Po-chi-p’o sangJuirdma?^ Its courts are light and roomy ; its towers and pavilions are very lofty. The priests are about 700 in number; they study the law according to the Great Vehicle. Many renowned priests from Eastern India dwell here.

30. 30. Tdmralipti

    Today: Tamluk, West Bengal, India · Arrived 1 January 641 · position reconstructed

    Fa-Hian arrived at Tdmralipti, a port at the sea-mouth, where he stayed for two years copying sacred Buddhist texts and drawing images before embarking on a sea voyage.

    From this continuing to go eastward nearly fifty ydjaixas, we arrive at the kingdom of Tdmralipti. This is at the sea-mouth. There are twenty-four sailghdrdmas in this country ; all of them have resident priests, and the law of Buddha is generally respected. Fa-Hian remained here for two years, writing out copies of the sacred books (ailtras) and drawing image

    Also called at by Faxian — who called it “Tamalipti”. Identified as Tamluk

31. 31. Kanchipura

    Today: Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, India · Arrived 1 January 642 · position reconstructed

    The surviving testimony does not cover this stage — help us find one.

    The record survives. Why is this stage empty?

32. 32. Ceylon

    Today: Sri Lanka · Arrived 1 January 412

    Fa-Hian, the Chinese Buddhist pilgrim, arrived in Ceylon (Sri Lanka) after a sea voyage and resided on the island for two years, studying and copying Buddhist texts.

    Fa-hian, however, resided in the island for two years (cap. 40).

33. 33. Kalinga

    Today: Odisha, India · Arrived 1 January 643

    Xuanzang refers to the region of Kalinga, describing its extent and mentioning its chief town, as well as its historical significance in relation to invasions and conquests.

    The frontier line of Kalinga cannot have extended beyond the GddAvarl river on the south-west, and the GaolivA branch of the In- dr^vati river on tho north-west (Cunningham). For an account of the Kalinga dci^a, see 8cwcll, op. cit., p. 19. The chief town wa.s proba- bly Rfljamahendri, where the Chalukyas perhaps establish cd lished their capital. Either tliis place or Korihga, on the sea coast, agrees with the bearing and di.stance given in the text.

34. 34. ’O-fan-ch’a

    Today: Andhra, Andhra Pradesh, India · Arrived 1 January 643

    The traveler arrived in the country of ’O-fan-ch’a (Andhra), where traces of the four Buddhas of the past age were noted, and a stupa had been erected to mark the spot.

    By the side of it are traces where the four Buddhas of the past age sat down and walked for exercise. They have erected a stdpa to denote the spot. Going north-east from this 300 li or so, we come to the country of ’O-fan-ch’a.

35. 35. Jajahuti

    Today: Jajhoti (Bundelkhand), Madhya Pradesh, India · Arrived 1 January 643 · position reconstructed

    The traveler refers to Jajahuti as a district in Central India, corresponding to the historical region of Bundelkhand in modern Madhya Pradesh.

    Jajahuti— Chi-ki-t'o, a district in Central India, ii. 271.

36. 36. Kashgar

    Today: Kashgar, Xinjiang, China · Arrived 1 January 644

    Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsiang) returned to Kashgar after completing his pilgrimage, where his virtuous conduct drew admiration and he was welcomed by the local people.

    All were desirous to be in- structed, and wherever he went his virtuous conduct drew tlie admiration of those who beheld it. And why not ? in the case of one wdio had gone alone and afoot from Ku, and liad completed such a mission by stages of myriads of li !

37. 37. Kiu-chii

    Today: Kucha, Xinjiang, China · Arrived 1 January 644

    Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsiang) visited Kiu-chii (Kucha) during his return journey, where he observed local religious practices and recounted the story of a minister who was banished there and built a convent after a miraculous event.

    In old time there was a minister who was banished from this country to Kiu-clii ; whilst there he paid w'or- ship only to this image, and afterwards, when he returned to his own country, his mind still was moved with re- verence towards it. After midnight the figure suddenly came of itself to the place, on which the man left his home and built this convent.

38. 38. Dunhuang

    Today: Dunhuang, Gansu, China · Arrived 1 January 645

    Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsiang) passed through Dunhuang on his outward journey from China to India, following the northern Silk Road route as described in Buddhist travel records.

    The first is to the south-west of Lake Lop to Tibet and N<3p(ll ; the second or middle route is from Shen- shen or Leu-lan or Na-fo-po (Tao-SUn speaks of these as one place) to Khotan and so on ; the third ronte is the outward one fr)llowed by Hiuen Tsiang.

Published under CC BY-SA 4.0. Sources keep their own open licences. See the Magna Carta of the Seas for how this was verified.