In which century, did the famous Chinese pilgrim Fa-hien visit India?...
In 5th century AD, the famous Chinese pilgrim Fa Hien visited India. Travelling through central Asia and northwest India, Fa-hien reached northern India and then visited the holy Buddhist sites located in the Ganges valley: Kapilavastu, the birthplace of Buddha; Bodhgaya, the site of Buddha’s enlightenment; Sarnath, where Buddha preached his first sermon, and Kushinagara, the place of Buddha’s nirvana.
In which century, did the famous Chinese pilgrim Fa-hien visit India?...
Fa-hien's Visit to India
Fa-hien, also known as Faxian, was a famous Chinese Buddhist monk and pilgrim who traveled to India in search of sacred Buddhist scriptures during the ancient times. His journey to India took place in the 5th century AD.
Background:
Fa-hien was born in China around 337 AD during the Eastern Jin dynasty. He became a monk at a young age and dedicated his life to the study and propagation of Buddhism. In order to obtain the original Buddhist scriptures and deepen his understanding of the religion, he decided to undertake a pilgrimage to the land of its origin - India.
Reasons for the Visit:
Fa-hien's primary motivation for visiting India was to collect the Buddhist scriptures, especially those related to the Vinaya (monastic discipline). He wanted to bring back these sacred texts to China to inspire and educate the Buddhist community there. Additionally, he wished to experience firsthand the holy sites associated with the life of Gautama Buddha.
The Journey:
Fa-hien's journey to India began around 399 AD. He traveled through various regions, including present-day China, Central Asia, and the Indian subcontinent. He encountered numerous challenges and hardships during his journey, such as harsh weather conditions, dangerous terrains, and bandit attacks. However, his determination and faith in Buddhism kept him going.
Stay in India:
Fa-hien spent several years in India, visiting various important Buddhist sites and monasteries. He traveled to places like Pataliputra (modern-day Patna), Rajgir, Nalanda, Bodh Gaya, Varanasi, and Mathura. He also stayed at monasteries and engaged in religious practices, deepening his knowledge of Buddhism.
Collection of Scriptures:
During his stay in India, Fa-hien diligently collected Buddhist scriptures from monasteries and temples. He obtained copies of important texts, including the Vinaya Pitaka, Sutra Pitaka, and Abhidharma Pitaka. These sacred scriptures were carefully preserved and later brought back to China.
Return to China:
After spending about 15 years in India, Fa-hien decided to return to his homeland. He embarked on a long and perilous journey, crossing treacherous terrains and facing numerous challenges. However, he successfully reached China with his valuable collection of Buddhist scriptures, which greatly enriched the Buddhist community in his homeland.
Conclusion:
Fa-hien's visit to India in the 5th century AD played a significant role in the preservation and propagation of Buddhism. His dedication and efforts in collecting the original Buddhist scriptures from India contributed to the spread of Buddhism in China and other parts of East Asia. His journey remains an important historical event in the context of Buddhist pilgrimage and cultural exchange between China and India.
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