A Record of Buddhistic Kingdoms

Bol Partner

This country originally had no human inhabitants, but was occupied only by spirits and nagas, with which merchants of various countries carried on a trade.... Through the coming and going of merchants... when they went away, the people of their various countries heard how pleasant the land was, and flocked to it in numbers till it became a great nation. -from "Chapter XXXVIII: At Ceylon" Little is known about the 5th-century Chinese monk Fa-hien beyond what he himself tells us in the journals of his travels in India and Ceylon from the years 399 to 414 in search of the Buddhist Books of Discipline. But as he follows in the footsteps of the Buddha, revisiting the legendary places of the faith, his wise observations reveal an enlightenment that transcends time. An important primary source on the traditions and beliefs of Buddhism, this 1886 translation-complete with copious notes on Buddhist ideas and rituals, particular translations, and poetic idioms-is still considered the best English-language version available. Spiritual seekers will find a deeper understanding of Buddhism; students of Asian history will discover a glorious travelogue of an ancient culture. Scottish scholar JAMES LEGGE (1815-1897) was the first professor of Chinese language and literature at Oxford University, serving from 1876 to 1897. Among his many books are The Life and Teaching of Confucius (1867), The Religions of China (1880), and the 50-volume Sacred Books of the East (1879-1891)."

Bol

A Record of Buddhistic Kingdoms is a travelogue written by the Chinese Buddhist monk Faxian in the early 5th century. It chronicles his journey from China to India and other regions of South Asia between 399 and 414 CE in search of sacred Buddhist texts. Faxian's account offers valuable insights into the cultural, religious, and political landscapes of the time. Throughout his travels, he visits numerous Buddhist monasteries, temples, and sacred sites, describing their architecture, practices, and the daily lives of the people. Faxian also provides detailed observations on the countries he passes through, including Central Asia, India, and Sri Lanka, highlighting the widespread influence of Buddhism. His observations help to illuminate the conditions of Buddhist communities in these regions during the early centuries of the Common Era. Faxian’s work is significant not only for its religious content but also for its historical and geographical details, offering scholars a window into ancient South Asia and the spread of Buddhism. His meticulous descriptions provide a rare firsthand perspective on the development of Buddhist practice and the connections between East Asia and the Indian subcontinent during this era.

Amazon

Pagina's: 138, Paperback, Left of Brain Books