Empire 132. Journey to Nalanda and the Library of Jewels
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Mar 19, 2024 Embark on a thrilling journey as a monk faces bandits and storms while seeking the renowned university of Nalanda. Experience the tension between Hinduism and Buddhism, including moments of cooperation and strife. Discover a remarkable tale of a captured monk whose meditation spawns an unexpected storm, saving him from sacrifice. Delve into the influence of a concubine who elevated Buddhism's status in the Chinese court. This adventure intertwines ancient knowledge with the resilience of faith amidst adversity.
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Xuanzang's Perilous Journey
- Xuanzang's journey to Nalanda was fraught with peril, including a near-miss with an arrow at a desert watchtower.
- A Buddhist captain aided him, but he later got lost and nearly died of thirst before his horse led him to water.
Two Accounts of Xuanzang's Journey
- Xuanzang's journey is documented in two sources: his own account and a biography by Hu Li.
- Xuanzang's version is considered more factual, while Hu Li's contains more miracles.
Buddhism's Decline in India
- Xuanzang was disappointed to find Buddhism in decline in India, with many monasteries in ruins.
- He attributed this decline partly to Mihirakula, a White Hun ruler who allegedly destroyed many monasteries.