Benjamin Brose Bücher

"Xuanzang was the 7th century monk who left China in search of Buddhist texts from the motherland f India. He returned - 16 years later - laden with an immense amount of texts and a written record of Buddhism in India which still provides the clearest picture of how Buddhism was practiced in that time and place. His journey took him through western Chine, Kyrgistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and all over India. Much of what we know about Buddhism in India comes from his record of his journey for which there are a couple translations. A new one, heavily annotated in 12 volumes should be coming out in the next few years as well"-- Provided by publisher

The life of Xuanzang, a pivotal figure in East Asian Buddhism, is transformed into legend through tales of his pilgrimage from China to India and his monumental translations of Buddhist texts. These stories depict him not just as a scholar but as a magical monk journeying between realms, facing demons and aided by quirky companions. This exploration delves into the mythic narratives surrounding Xuanzang from the eleventh century to today, revealing how his legacy has inspired rituals and performances, culminating in the renowned novel Journey to the West.