Record of Buddhistic Kingdoms : Being an Account by the Chinese Monk Fa-Hien of his Travels in India and Ceylon (A.D. 399-414)

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.