Xuán Zàng (玄奘)

**Xuán Zàng (玄奘): The Pilgrim Who Brought Buddhism to China** **Early Life and Background** Born in 602 CE during the Tang Dynasty, Xuán Zàng (often romanized as Xuanzang) was a Buddhist monk, scholar, and translator whose journey to India became legendary. Orphaned young, he entered a monastery at 13, displaying remarkable intellect. By his twenties, he was troubled by inconsistencies in Chinese Buddhist texts and resolved to travel to India—Buddhism’s birthplace—to study original scriptures. **Major Achievements** Defying a travel ban, Xuán Zàng embarked on a perilous 17-year journey (629–645 CE) across the Silk Road, surviving deserts, bandits, and political unrest. In India, he studied at Nalanda University, mastering Sanskrit and Buddhist philosophy. He returned with over 600 sacred texts, translating 1,330 works into Chinese with unmatched precision, laying the foundation for East Asian Buddhism. **Historical Significance** His translations standardized Buddhist terminology in China and influenced neighboring cultures like Korea and Japan. His travelogue, *Great Tang Records on the Western Regions*, remains a vital historical source for Central and South Asian history. **Interesting Facts** - Xuán Zàng’s journey inspired the classic *Journey to the West*, where he’s fictionalized as the monk "Tang Sanzang," accompanied by the mischievous Monkey King. - He reportedly survived a sandstorm in the Taklamakan Desert by following a horse that sensed water. **Legacy** Xuán Zàng’s work shaped Chinese Buddhism, bridging Indian and East Asian traditions. Temples and statues honor him, and his story symbolizes perseverance and scholarly devotion. Even today, his legacy endures in literature, religion, and cross-cultural exchange. A true explorer of faith and knowledge, Xuán Zàng remains one of history’s greatest cultural ambassadors.