The Imperial Welcome and the Monk’s Vow
Following the death of his trusted advisor Wei Zheng, Emperor Taizong of Tang found solace in a piece of joyful news: the monk Xuanzang, who had departed for India (Tianzhu) years earlier to seek Buddhist scriptures, was finally returning.
Residing in Luoyang at the time, the Emperor immediately ordered Fang Xuanling, the Prime Minister stationed in Chang’an, to prepare a grand welcome. Xuanzang, born Chen Hui in Goushi (modern Yanshi, Henan), had become a monk at thirteen amidst the chaos of the late Sui Dynasty. Despite the turmoil, he remained devoted to studying Buddhist texts in Luoyang, Chang’an, and Sichuan. Upon the establishment of the Tang Dynasty, Xuanzang returned to Chang’an but grew troubled by inconsistencies in existing scripture translations and the lack of complete texts. Convinced that the true essence of Buddhism could only be found at its source, he petitioned the court for permission to travel to India. However, Emperor Taizong, who favored Daoism and claimed lineage from Laozi (author of Tao Te Ching), denied the request.
The Perilous Trek Across the Desert
Undeterred, Xuanzang seized an opportunity when the court allowed monks to beg for food in areas unaffected by drought. Disguised as a refugee, he journeyed west from Chang’an to Liangzhou and then to Guazhou. There, he met a local guide named Shi Pantuo and acquired a seasoned old horse known for its ability to navigate the western routes. Venturing into the vast desert, his guide fled in fear, leaving Xuanzang alone. After losing his water skin and becoming disoriented, he faced near-death from dehydration, collapsing in the sands. Revived by a cool night breeze and guided by his loyal horse to a water source, he survived. His journey led him to the Kingdom of Gaochang (near modern Turpan), where the king, impressed by his wisdom, provided him with supplies, companions, and letters of passage. After a year of arduous travel, Xuanzang finally reached the borders of India.
Scholarship at Nalanda and the Glory of Kanauj
India at the time was dominated by the Harsha Empire, ruled by King Harsha, a devout Buddhist who promoted religious dialogue through quinquennial assemblies known as “Moksha Parishads” (Assemblies of No Distinction). Xuanzang traveled through over seventy kingdoms, studying various doctrines before arriving at the prestigious Nalanda Monastery in the kingdom of Magadha in 631 AD. Home to over ten thousand monks and scholars of mathematics, astronomy, and medicine, Nalanda welcomed Xuanzang with a grand procession. He studied under the venerable Abbot Silabhadra, who, despite his advanced age, personally taught him Mahayana Buddhism for over a year. Over five years, Xuanzang mastered Sanskrit and Buddhist philosophy, eventually becoming a renowned teacher and debater within the monastery.
In 641 AD, King Harsha invited Xuanzang to his capital, Kanauj, to preside over a grand religious assembly. Eighteen kings, three thousand monks, and thousands of scholars attended. Xuanzang presented his thesis on Mahayana Buddhism, which stood unchallenged for eighteen days despite rigorous debate. Hailed as the “Deva of Mahayana” and the “Deva of Liberation,” he was honored with rich gifts and a ceremonial procession on an elephant. Although King Harsha urged him to stay, Xuanzang, longing for his homeland, declined. He gathered hundreds of volumes of scriptures and began his return journey along the same perilous route.
Return to Chang’an and Cultural Exchange
Upon his return to Chang’an, Xuanzang traveled to Luoyang to meet Emperor Taizong. Fascinated by his tales, the Emperor developed an interest in Buddhism and persuaded Xuanzang to reside in Hongfu Temple in Chang’an rather than Shaolin Temple, ensuring he had imperial support for his translation work. Under the supervision of Fang Xuanling, Xuanzang dedicated himself to translating sutras and authored the Great Tang Records on the Western Regions, a priceless historical document. His journey also revitalized diplomatic ties; King Harsha sent envoys to Tang, and the Emperor reciprocated.
The Princess Who Bridged Two Worlds
Around the time of Xuanzang’s return, another significant figure journeyed west: Princess Wencheng, who was betrothed to Songtsen Gampo, the ruler of Tibet (Tubo). The Tibetan plateau, once fragmented, had been unified by Songtsen Gampo, who established his capital at Lhasa. Eager to align with the prosperous Tang Dynasty, Songtsen Gampo sought a marriage alliance. After an initial rejection – which he mistakenly blamed on the Tuyuhun kingdom – and a brief military conflict, he sent his minister Gar Tongtsen with humble apologies and rich tributes. Emperor Taizong, moved by his sincerity, agreed to the union, selecting Princess Wencheng, an adopted daughter of Empress Zhangsun, as his bride.
In the spring of 641, Princess Wencheng, escorted by Prince Li Daozong, departed from Chang’an. Songtsen Gampo greeted them at the Hexi corridor with great reverence, expressing awe at marrying a princess from the Central Kingdom. He vowed to build a city to commemorate the event. Princess Wencheng brought with her grain seeds, craftsmen, and artisans who introduced advanced techniques in agriculture, sericulture, brewing, paper-making, and construction to Tibet. She also brought classical Chinese texts, inspiring Songtsen Gampo to send scholars to Chang’an and adopt written administration. A devout Buddhist, she carried a statue of the twelve-year-old Shakyamuni Buddha and oversaw the construction of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, modeled after Tang architecture. Her arrival marked the flourishing of Buddhism in Tibet, laying the foundation for Tibetan Buddhism, and she remains revered as a saintly figure who never returned to her homeland.
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