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A Record of Buddhistic kingdoms: being an account by the Chinese monk Fa-hsien of travels in India and Ceylon (A.D. 399-414) in search of the Buddhist books of discipline   By: (ca. 337-422)

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In "A Record of Buddhistic Kingdoms," the author takes us on a remarkable journey through ancient India and Ceylon, as he embarks on a quest to unearth the sacred Buddhist books of discipline. Although the true identity of the author remains unknown, the depth of knowledge displayed in this historical account is truly exceptional.

The book begins with the Chinese monk, Fa-hsien, sharing his motivations for embarking on this perilous adventure: to retrieve the Buddhist scriptures and bring them back to his homeland, where the religion had begun to flourish. Through his meticulous descriptions, we are immersed in the cultural, social, and spiritual life of ancient India.

With vivid narration and great attention to detail, the author provides a priceless glimpse into the diverse and vibrant civilizations that existed during the 4th and 5th centuries. From the majestic monasteries of Magadha to the bustling markets of Taxila, every location is vividly brought to life, inviting readers to walk in the footsteps of Fa-hsien.

The book is not merely a travelogue; it serves as a precious historical document of the Buddhist faith during this period. Through Fa-hsien's encounters with renowned monks, scholars, and rulers, we gain valuable insights into the unfolding of Buddhism and its influence on the people of that time. The gentle blending of historical facts with philosophical explanations and spiritual anecdotes creates a remarkable tapestry that captures the essence of the religion.

Moreover, the author's writing style is engaging and accessible, making it easy for readers, regardless of their familiarity with Buddhism, to appreciate the significance of Fa-hsien's journey. The richness of the narrative is complemented by the inclusion of maps, illustrations, and annotations, further enhancing our understanding of the geographic and cultural context.

One aspect that sets this book apart is the author's genuine reverence for the ideals of Buddhism. Through Fa-hsien's experiences, we witness the embodiment of compassion, mindfulness, and devotion, as well as the challenges faced by those attempting to adhere to these principles in a world filled with turmoil and temptation. It is this underlying spiritual thread that resonates deeply with readers, transcending time and culture.

However, it is regrettable that the true author of this incredible text remains a mystery. While this anonymity may add an air of mystique, it leaves us longing to know more about the individual who penned such a masterpiece. Nonetheless, we are grateful for their efforts in diligently chronicling Fa-hsien's remarkable sojourn, without which this invaluable record would have been lost to history.

In conclusion, "A Record of Buddhistic Kingdoms" is a must-read for anyone interested in Buddhism, ancient civilizations, or the intricacies of cross-cultural exploration. Through the accounts of Fa-hsien's travels, we are transported to a bygone era, filled with adventure, wisdom, and spiritual enlightenment. This immersive journey invites readers to reflect on their own quests for knowledge, understanding, and the eternal pursuit of truth.

First Page:

A RECORD OF BUDDHISTIC KINGDOMS

Being an Account by the Chinese Monk Fa Hsien of his Travels in India and Ceylon (A.D. 399 414) in Search of the Buddhist Books of Discipline

Translated and annotated with a Corean recension of the Chinese text

BY

JAMES LEGGE

PREFACE

Several times during my long residence in Hong Kong I endeavoured to read through the "Narrative of Fa Hsien;" but though interested with the graphic details of much of the work, its columns bristled so constantly now with his phonetic representations of Sanskrit words, and now with his substitution for them of their meanings in Chinese characters, and I was, moreover, so much occupied with my own special labours on the Confucian Classics, that my success was far from satisfactory. When Dr. Eitel's "Handbook for the Student of Chinese Buddhism" appeared in 1870, the difficulty occasioned by the Sanskrit words and names was removed, but the other difficulty remained; and I was not able to look into the book again for several years. Nor had I much inducement to do so in the two copies of it which I had been able to procure, on poor paper, and printed from blocks badly cut at first, and so worn with use as to yield books the reverse of attractive in their appearance to the student.

In the meantime I kept studying the subject of Buddhism from various sources; and in 1878 began to lecture, here in Oxford, on the Travels with my Davis Chinese scholar, who was at the same time Boden Sanskrit scholar... Continue reading book >>




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