http://www.china.org.cn/archive/2006-07/20/content_1175343.htm

Monks Retrace Xuanzang's Historic Journey to India

As part of the "Year of China-India Friendship" celebrations, two Buddhist monks from the Chinese mainland and Taiwan, Mingxian and Huizai respectively, started yesterday on their journey to India that retraces the footsteps of their legendary predecessor Xuanzang (602-664).  From Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, the monks will, over the next four months, traverse the route taken by Xuanzang, a Buddhist pilgrim, from China to India some 1,300 years ago. Xuanzang was on a mission to obtain Buddhist scriptures and to study. He returned to China 17 years later.   Mingxian and Huizai will pass through Shaanxi, Gansu and Xinjiang before crossing into Pakistan and Nepal on their way to Nalanda, the once famous seat of Buddhist learning in India. But unlike Xuanzang, Mingxian and Huizai are not in search of Buddhist scriptures.  "The journey aims to better promote communication and cultural exchange between China and India," the venerable Shenghui, administrative vice president of the China Buddhist Association, said at yesterday's sending-off ceremony.  The project, which is coorganized by the China Buddhist Association, the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the China Xuanzang Research Center, also hopes to highlight Xuanzang's enduring spirit in promoting Buddhism, he said.  "Xuanzang searched for the real Buddhist scriptures by traveling to India and translated the texts into Chinese," he said. "Today, his enduring spirit should still be respected and better promoted and his successors' journey will help give the public a better understanding of Buddhism."  A total of 108 monks from the Chinese mainland, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao and four leading actors from the CCTV television series, Journey to the West, which is based on Xuanzang's story, also attended yesterday's ceremony.  (China Daily July 20, 2006)

http://news.fjnet.com/english/China/200611/t20061130_41383.htm

Speech at the Welcome Reception for the Team of Pilgrimage Journey of Xuanzang from CCTV H.E. Mr. Sun Yuxi, Chinese Ambassador to India Good Evening, Ladies and Gentlemen, I am most delighted to attend today's function sponsored by FICCI, Sinosteel and Chamber of Chinese Enterprises in India (CCEI). I'd like to extend my sincere thanks to their efforts to promote Sino-Indian relations, and my special warm welcome to the team of Pilgrimage Journey of Xuanzang from CCTV. In China, all people including every child know the stories of Xuanzang's journey to India. Over the past 1300 years, they have been told, performed, written and re-written generations after generations. "Journey to the West" by Wu Chengen, a novelist in Ming Dynasty brought to the climax of the Xuan Zang legend. In India, people remember Xuanzang for his "Records of the West Regions during the Great Tang Dynasty". These two books have not only immortalized Xuanzang's pilgrimage to India, but also immortalized the image of India as the western heaven. Today, when we, equipped with modern transportation vehicles and communication technology, follow the footprints of Xuanzang and come to the heavenly land again, we could imagine how formidable the journey was more than one thousand and three hundred years ago. In human history, there were three sorts of people, who had the courage to adventure long journeys. The first category was warriors, kings or emperors like Alexander the Great or Genghis Khan. They were motivated by expanding territory and conquering other states. Their Empire ended up ruling, or conquering large parts of Eurasia, radically changed the demography and geopolitics of these areas. The second was businessmen. Driven by profits, they looked for larger markets and opened new trade routes. That was how the Silk Road came into being. Extending over thousands of kms, it was significant not only for spreading the great civilizations of China, ancient Egypt, Persia, India and Rome, but also helped to lay the foundations of the modern world. The last but the most admirable travelers were scholars. They include religionist, artist, writers, philosopher and etc. They were taking incredible journeys and exploited the unknown land in pursuit of religion, art and truth. Xuanzang was one of the best examples. Surmounting countless hardships and hidden dangers, covering vast inhospitable land, Xuanzang ultimately reached his destination. This was a route spanning 17 years and 25,000 kms, a route characterized by faith, perseverance and wisdom, a route reflecting the openness of a man and a nation, and a route witnessing the Xuanzang spirit and leaving valuable legacy for the world. Owing to these reasons, Xuanzang has been remembered as a man of many parts: a Buddhist Monk, a traveler, a philosopher, a translator, as well as an outstanding messenger and promoter of culture exchanges among the nations of Asia. During his journey, he introduced China to India and other Asian countries. With his efforts, India sent the official envoys to China in 642 A.D., starting the diplomatic relations between India and China. So in my eyes, I see him as a great diplomat. He could be regarded as my early predecessor, the first Chinese Ambassador to India who performed diplomacy at that time. His footprints closely linked the two most populous nations in the world. His life and work are the best evidence of what China-Indian friendship stands for. Today, when we get together to celebrate India-China Friendship year, to review Xuanzang spirit on this special occasion, I would like to compare Xuanzang to a torchbearer. Underpinned by our centuries-old friendship, driven by extensive common interests, supported by millions of friends like you, I believe we would carry the same torch to shine upon our path ahead. Let us join, hand in hand and shoulder to shoulder, and continue the historical journey towards a much better future! Thank you! Editor: Wang Xinyu

http://news.fjnet.com/english/World/200609/t20060926_39526.htm

A Speech on the Third International Conference on Xuanzang

08-23-2010    FJNET

Honourable Dharma Masters, scholars, ladies and gentlemen: We feel grateful and honored to come to China attending the Third International Conference on Xuanzang and discuss the great contribution of the Great Master Xuanzang with scholars from all over the world. Let me on behalf of all foreign scholars at present express our deep respect to the holder/organizers of this conference and hope to get the perfect success of the conference. Xuanzang is a Chinese respected monk and the friendly ambassador of Chinese people. He is a household in India, there is a text about Xuanzang's deeds in the textbook of elemental school. So, Indian people are very familiar with him. Xuanzang visited India in the middle age. His travel was not only a pilgrimage of visiting Indian Buddhist holy sites, but also a quest for Buddhist scriptures and truthful knowledge of Buddhism. Xuanzang once visited many respected monks during staying in India. He learned from Great Masters from all sorts of sects, thought deeply and got rich achievements. He had gained respects from Indian monks. Xuanzang took Indian Buddhism and its culture back to China and translated many Indian Buddhist scriptures in Sanskrit into Chinese, that made Indian Buddhist thoughts known by more Chinese people and Sino-Indian religious and cultural exchange deepened further. These all are valuable works. Xuanzang also contributed to the Indian Historical survey. He wrote the book Da Tang Xi Yu Ji (Records of the Western Land in the Tang dynasty) after coming back to China, which records the information of different parts of India in detail. Depending on Xuanzang's work, modern Indian archaeologists had made many discoveries. Xuanzang contributed to the Indian History a lot, therefore Indian people have been thinking of him. There has been friendly contact between India and China for two thousands years, in which Buddhism is the most important link which connected these two counties. The Buddhist thought that India supplied for Chinese people become one most influential aspect of spirit and faith of Chinese people. This year is being celebrated as the year of Indo-China friendship when variety of rich activities have been held in both counties, commemorating Xuanzang which is the common wish of people from both countries is one of these activities. I hope the friendship between India and China will continue forever and will make more contributions to the world peace and the economic and cultural development through this activity.    Thanks for all! (Lalji Shravak, Research Scientist of Department of Foreign Languages, Banaras Hindu University)

Editor: Wang Xinyu

http://news.fjnet.com/english/China/200609/t20060927_39574.htm

The Third International Conference on Xuanzang

08-23-2010    FJNET

FJNET, September 26, 2006 Chengdu, China -- From September 20 - 22, 2006, The Third International Conference on Xuanzang was held in Chengdu. This conference aimed to commemorate the Great Master Xuanzang, disseminating the brilliant Chinese traditional culture, expanding the cultural exchange, and advancing realization of the harmonious society This conference is launched by Xuanzang Research Center which is affiliate with Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. Celebrated scholars such as Mr. Huang Xinchuan, Lou Yulie, Fang Litian etc., as well as Taiwan representatives attended the conference. Approximate 200 religious representatives from India, Japan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, USA, Belgium, South Korea, Vietnam, Bengal also attended the conference. They discussed the great contribution of the Great Master Xuanzang, clarifying the current meaning and realistic significance.   [Translator: Wang Xinyu   News in Chinese]

Translator: Wang Xinyu

http://news.fjnet.com/english/China/200605/t20060530_37132.htm

Pilgrimage for Celebrating 40th Anniversary of Fo Guang Shan Monastery

08-23-2010    Renjian Society

By Xinhua Dashu, Renjian Society, May 18, 2006 Taiwan, China -- May 16th, 2006 is the 40th Anniversary of Fo Guang Shan Monastery, over 2000 pilgrims made their pilgrimage to Fo Guang Shan Monastery on that day. Ven. Hsing Yun, the founder of Fo Guang Shan Monastery said that Practice is the "foundation stone" of Fo Guang Shan Monastery. In other words, no pilgrimage no Fo Guang Shan Monastery. Forty years ago, when Fo Guang Shan Monastery was just founded, Pilgrimage Group which was from Taipei to Fo Guang Shan was weekly organized to promote the Buddhist followers prostrating Buddha frequently. Because of the lower traffic charge, Buddhist followers who pilgrimage Fo Guang Shan Monastery are increasing daily. Gradually, the name of Fo Guang Shan Monastery became well-known to Taiwanese, and to the whole world. Now Fo Guang Shan Monastery is an extremely influential Buddhist Community in Taiwan. Ven. Hsing Yun stated, although we are bowing to the ground, but the dignity raised; bowing to Buddha is communicating with Buddha, a kind of connection in mind. Ven. Hsing Yun noted, through pilgrimage, one should aware of the meaning of Buddha, the loving-kindness, the sublimity as well as the wisdom, then the Buddha-Nature existed in oneself will be revealed. We should recur to the practical and positive side of Humanistic Buddhism, while one prostrating Buddha should be grateful to Buddha. President of Domestic & Overseas Executive Council, Ven. Hui Chuan stated that it rained last night, which made the clear air and mild climate in the morning. Ven. Abbot Hsin Pei stated, although we are bowing to the ground, but the dignity raised; bowing to Buddha into the heart, which will show pure land, clean and dignity.   [Translator: Wang Xinyu]

Translator: Wang Xinyu

http://news.fjnet.com/english/culture/200702/t20070213_43375.htm

Origin of Xuanzang Memorial Hall

08-23-2010

Ven. Xuanzang was a Buddhist dignitary, a translator, an envoy of peace, and a giant of world culture. To carry forward and promote his aspirations and cause, the governments and peoples of China and India have built the Xuanzang Memorial Hall, and now erected this stele at the former site of Nalanda Temple to recount that great episode. In 1954, Chinese premier Zhou Enlai and India prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru, exchanged visits and jointly initiated the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence to promote the friendly intercourses between the two nations. The Buddhist circles were delighted and inspired. The rector of Nalanda Institute J. Kashyap was the first to propose a joint effort to build a Memorial Hall to cherish the forerunner Xuanzang. Mr. Zhao Puchu, a lay Buddhist representating the Chinese Buddhist circle visited India in active response. The preparatory efforts were vigorously supported by both governments, and the premiers personally looked into the matter many times. In 1956, the Chinese Government sent religious figures to visit India, and in 1957 presented to the Indian Government a relic of Xuanzang��s skull, 1,335 volumes translated by Xuanzang, a set of Qisha Tripitaka, a draft design map of the Memorial Hall, and RMB 300,000 Yuan as funds for the construction program. The spectacular scene that the master translated and lectured there was vividly recalled in such a contrast that the relic of the master had to be presented as a payback. It was hoped that a new temple could be built at the site of the ruins to revive the shrine. In 2005, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and India Prime minister Manmohan Singh, held talks and released a joint statement, opening a new chapter in the annals of bilateral relations. The construction and maintenance of the Xuanzang Memorial Hall were enlisted into the programs of cultural exchanges between the two countries as a continuation of the previous predestined relationship. In November the same year, a delegation of the State Administration for Religious Affairs of the People's Republic of China visited India to discuss matters related to the construction and maintenance with the Indian construction and maintenance committee of the Xuanzang Memorial Hall. Murals were painted and exhibition shelves installed to depict the life stories of the master; a bronze statue was moulded, steles erected and bell pavilions built in praise of peace. inspired by the model role of the master, people all over China responded actively��and many organizations in China donated funds to the great understanding, among which were the Great Ci��en Temple in Xi��an, the Wenshu Temple, the Daci Temple in Chengdu, the White House Temple in Luoyang, the Bailin Temple in Zhaozhou, wuxi Lingshan Industrial(group)CO.LTD ,Shanghai Kangyu copper gate design engineering CO.LTD and China ports international shipping agency  LTD. In April 2006, Buddhist dignitaries, experts and scholars from 37 countries and regions gathered in China and successfully held the First Word Buddhist Forum. Together, they issued the Mount Putuo Declaration, which says that ��Everyone is responsible for the world harmony; and a harmonious world begins in the mind.�� Today, the Xuanzang Memorial Hall is completed, which means the principle of ��begins-in-the-mind�� has been translated into reality. Hence this stele is erected to trace the source, cherish the previous worthy, and encourage the coming ones. State Administration for Religious Affairs of  P.R.C November,2006

Editor:kongqing

http://news.fjnet.com/english/China/200608/t20060807_37144.htm

Bronze Statue of Pioneering Xuanzang Shipped to India

08-23-2010    Xinhua

Xinhua, Aug. 5, 2006 Hangzhou, China -- A two-and-a-half-ton bronze statue of Xuanzang (602-664), an eminent Chinese Buddhist monk of the Tang Dynasty (618-907), was shipped from here to India via Shanghai on August 5 (Saturday). The 3.5-meter high statue was made by artisans of Shendiao Group Company in Zhejiang, said a spokesman from Zhejiang Provincial Religious Affairs Department. A group of specialists from the State Administration of Religious Affairs in Beijing on August 1 (Tuesday) examined the statue and approved its export. The statue will be placed in a memorial named after Xuanzang inside Nalanda Temple in Bihar, an ancient center of Buddhist learning. Listed as one of the many activities for the Sino-Indian Year of Culture 2006, the memorial will be open to worshippers in November. Xuanzang received a classical Confucian education before converting to Buddhism. Troubled by discrepancies in the sacred texts, he left for India in 629 to study the religion at its source. He traveled by foot across Central Asia and reached India in 633. After studying at the famous Nalanda monastery, he returned home in 645 to a hero's welcome, bringing back hundreds of Buddhist texts, including some of the most important Mahayana scriptures, and spent the rest of his life translating. Xuanzang's life inspired the novel "Journey to the West", an ancient Chinese literary classic commonly known to Western readers as the "Monkey King".

Editor: Wang Xinyu