James Legge

The famous Chinese traveler, translator, and Buddhist monk, Fâ-Hien (c. 337-422 ce), came to India around the third to fourth century ce during the Gupta dynasty. He extensively wrote about Buddhism and Buddhist traditions in the Indian subcontinent, and his works were written in ancient Chinese. His account plays an important role in understanding the history and religion of India. This mini volume is the English translation of Fâ-Hien’s journey through China, Tibet, and mainland India. He recorded the stories and sites related to Buddha’s life, his ministry, his enlightenment, and his place of death. Additionally, it also covers Buddhist sites in North India, East India, Nepal, the Indus Valley, and other parts of the Indian subcontinent – including the famous Gaya, Lumbini, Kapilavastu, and Sarnath. It describes various pilgrim­age sites, monasteries, interactions with Buddhist monks, and Buddhist sites erected by the Mauryan ruler Ashoka (c. 304-232 bce), along with religious practices associated with Buddhism. Written in classical Chinese, this work is an important contribution to the understanding of ancient India, ancient Indian civilization, and Buddhist studies.

The famous Chinese traveler, translator, and Buddhist monk, Fâ-Hien (c. 337-422 ce), came to India around the third to fourth century ce during the Gupta dynasty. He extensively wrote about Buddhism and Buddhist traditions in the Indian subcontinent, and his works were written in ancient Chinese. His account plays an important role in understanding the history and religion of India. This mini volume is the English translation of Fâ-Hien’s journey through China, Tibet, and mainland India. He recorded the stories and sites related to Buddha’s life, his ministry, his enlightenment, and his place of death. Additionally, it also covers Buddhist sites in North India, East India, Nepal, the Indus Valley, and other parts of the Indian subcontinent – including the famous Gaya, Lumbini, Kapilavastu, and Sarnath. It describes various pilgrim­age sites, monasteries, interactions with Buddhist monks, and Buddhist sites erected by the Mauryan ruler Ashoka (c. 304-232 bce), along with religious practices associated with Buddhism. Written in classical Chinese, this work is an important contribution to the understanding of ancient India, ancient Indian civilization, and Buddhist studies.

"Record of Buddhistic Kingdoms" is a captivating travelogue by the Buddhist monk Fa-Hien, offering a rare glimpse into early Asian history. Journey alongside Fa-Hien as he meticulously documents his travels through various Buddhist kingdoms. This important historical work, originally written in the early 5th century, provides invaluable insights into the geography, culture, and religious practices of the time. A primary source for understanding the spread of Buddhism throughout Asia, this enduring record offers a unique perspective on a pivotal period. Experience the world through the eyes of a dedicated pilgrim and discover a rich tapestry of ancient civilizations. This volume is essential reading for anyone interested in Asian history, Buddhism, and the spirit of early travel. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

"Record of Buddhistic Kingdoms" is a captivating travelogue by the Buddhist monk Fa-Hien, offering a rare glimpse into early Asian history. Journey alongside Fa-Hien as he meticulously documents his travels through various Buddhist kingdoms. This important historical work, originally written in the early 5th century, provides invaluable insights into the geography, culture, and religious practices of the time. A primary source for understanding the spread of Buddhism throughout Asia, this enduring record offers a unique perspective on a pivotal period. Experience the world through the eyes of a dedicated pilgrim and discover a rich tapestry of ancient civilizations. This volume is essential reading for anyone interested in Asian history, Buddhism, and the spirit of early travel. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

Embark on an extraordinary journey with Faxian, a Chinese Buddhist monk whose pilgrimage in search of sacred Buddhist scriptures took him across Nepal, India, and Sri Lanka between 399 and 412 AD. In A Record of Buddhistic Kingdoms, Faxian meticulously documents his travels, offering a rare glimpse into early Buddhism, and the geographical and cultural landscapes of numerous regions along the Silk Roads at the dawn of the 5th century. His narrative is a treasure trove of historical insights and a testament to the spiritual fervor and scholarly dedication that drove him. Through his vivid descriptions and keen observations, readers gain an unparalleled understanding of the religious, cultural, and social milieus of ancient Buddhist kingdoms. This work stands as one of the world's greatest travelogues, enriching our knowledge of Buddhism's early development and the interconnectedness of ancient civilizations.

Reproduction of the original. The publishing house Megali specialises in reproducing historical works in large print to make reading easier for people with impaired vision.

Reproduction of the original. The publishing house Megali specialises in reproducing historical works in large print to make reading easier for people with impaired vision.

Reprint of the original, first published in 1883.

Reprint of the original, first published in 1883.