# Xuanzang

> 7th-century Chinese Buddhist monk and scholar (602–664)

**Wikidata**: [Q42063](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q42063)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xuanzang)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/xuanzang

## Summary
Xuanzang was a 7th-century Chinese Buddhist monk and scholar who traveled extensively across Asia, documenting Buddhist traditions and translating sacred texts. Born in 602, he became a renowned explorer, writer, translator, and philosopher, most famous for his journey to India and back, chronicled in the *Record of the Western Regions*. His work preserved and spread Buddhist knowledge during the Tang dynasty.

## Biography
- **Born**: 602 (exact date uncertain, possibly January 1 or April 6)
- **Nationality**: Chinese (Tang dynasty)
- **Education**: Trained in Buddhist studies under Chinese masters, later studied in India
- **Known for**: Pioneering Buddhist scholarship and exploration, compiling the *Record of the Western Regions*
- **Employer(s)**: Tang dynasty government (supported by imperial patronage)
- **Field(s)**: Buddhism, exploration, translation, philosophy

## Contributions
- **Record of the Western Regions (645)**: A comprehensive account of Xuanzang's travels to India, documenting Buddhist practices, monasteries, and sacred texts. This work remains a foundational text in Buddhist studies.
- **Translation of Buddhist Texts**: Xuanzang translated numerous Buddhist scriptures from Sanskrit into Chinese, facilitating the spread of Buddhist teachings in Tang China.
- **Preservation of Buddhist Knowledge**: His travels and writings contributed to the development of East Asian Yogācāra Buddhism, a significant branch of Buddhist philosophy in China and Japan.

## FAQs
- **What was Xuanzang's primary occupation?** Xuanzang was a Buddhist monk, scholar, explorer, and translator.
- **Where did Xuanzang travel?** He traveled to India and back, documenting Buddhist traditions and translating sacred texts.
- **What is Xuanzang most famous for?** He is best known for the *Record of the Western Regions*, his extensive travels, and his role in preserving Buddhist knowledge.
- **Who influenced Xuanzang's work?** He studied under Chinese Buddhist masters and was influenced by Indian Buddhist traditions during his travels.
- **What impact did Xuanzang have on Buddhism?** His work helped spread Buddhist teachings in Tang China and contributed to the development of East Asian Yogācāra Buddhism.

## Why They Matter
Xuanzang's work was instrumental in preserving and transmitting Buddhist knowledge from India to China, bridging cultural and linguistic divides. His *Record of the Western Regions* remains a critical source for understanding early Buddhist practices and the cultural exchange between Asia and India. Without his travels and writings, the development of East Asian Yogācāra Buddhism would have been significantly different, and the spread of Buddhist teachings in Tang China would have been less comprehensive.

## Notable For
- First Chinese Buddhist monk to travel extensively to India and document Buddhist traditions.
- Author of the *Record of the Western Regions*, a foundational text in Buddhist studies.
- Pioneer of Buddhist translation and scholarship in Tang China.
- Key figure in the development of East Asian Yogācāra Buddhism.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Xuanzang was born in 602, likely in the Sui dynasty, which preceded the Tang dynasty. He received his initial Buddhist education in China, where he studied under Chinese masters. His scholarly pursuits led him to seek deeper knowledge in India, where he immersed himself in Buddhist studies.

### Travels and Exploration
Xuanzang's most notable achievement was his journey to India, which began in 627 and concluded in 645. He traveled through Central Asia, documenting Buddhist monasteries, rituals, and sacred texts. His travels were supported by the Tang dynasty government, which recognized the importance of preserving Buddhist knowledge.

### Scholarly Contributions
During his travels, Xuanzang translated numerous Buddhist texts from Sanskrit into Chinese. His translations and the *Record of the Western Regions* became essential resources for Buddhist scholars in Tang China. His work helped establish East Asian Yogācāra Buddhism as a significant philosophical tradition.

### Legacy and Influence
Xuanzang's writings and translations had a lasting impact on Buddhist scholarship in China and Japan. His *Record of the Western Regions* remains a primary source for understanding early Buddhist practices and the cultural exchange between Asia and India. His contributions to Buddhist knowledge and philosophy continue to influence scholars and practitioners today.

### Death and Posthumous Recognition
Xuanzang died in 664, leaving behind a rich legacy of Buddhist scholarship and exploration. His work was recognized posthumously, and he is remembered as a pioneer in Buddhist studies and a key figure in the Tang dynasty's cultural and intellectual achievements.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. China Biographical Database
3. LIBRIS. 2012
4. International Standard Name Identifier
5. Japan Search
6. BnF authorities
7. CiNii Research
8. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
9. SNAC
10. Encyclopædia Universalis
11. Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy
12. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
13. AlKindi
14. Korean Authority File
15. Integrated Authority File
16. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
17. general catalog of BnF
18. BBC Things
19. CERL Thesaurus
20. Quora
21. NMVW-collection website
22. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
23. Bibliography of the History of the Czech Lands
24. Catalogo of the National Library of India