Embark on an extraordinary journey with Faxian, a Chinese Buddhist monk whose pilgrimage in search of sacred Buddhist scriptures took him across Nepal, India, and Sri Lanka between 399 and 412 AD.
In A Record of Buddhistic Kingdoms, Faxian meticulously documents his travels, offering a rare glimpse into early Buddhism, and the geographical and cultural landscapes of numerous regions along the Silk Roads at the dawn of the 5th century. His narrative is a treasure trove of historical insights and a testament to the spiritual fervor and scholarly dedication that drove him.
Through his vivid descriptions and keen observations, readers gain an unparalleled understanding of the religious, cultural, and social milieus of ancient Buddhist kingdoms. This work stands as one of the world’s greatest travelogues, enriching our knowledge of Buddhism’s early development and the interconnectedness of ancient civilizations.