Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v1.c7.s10.t1.8

v1.c7.s10.t1.8

Among the multitude of foreign language translated versions, the so-called Sanskrit version reputedly translated by the most famous monk Xuanzang calls widespread attention. In accordance with the record contained in the third volume of Dao Xuan’s Collection of Debate between Buddhism and Taoism, it is quoted to the effect that on his return from the trip of India and was given interview by Emperor Taizong in the 21st year of Zhenguan Reign of Tang Dynasty (647 CE), Li Yibiao returned after a visit to India, reporting that he had given introduction of The Book of Lao Zi to King Kumàra in the State of Kàmaråpa in ancient India (now the west regions in Assam, India). The Emperor Taizong then gave edict to Monk Xuanzang to translate Lao Zi’s cannon into Sanskrit, and “Xuanzang begins to translate Lao Zi’s classic only after thoroughly comprehending the delicate and hidden connotation of the classic by analysing the text sentence by sentence and classifying the text in term of meaning”. There all along exists a great controversy on plausibility and availability of such a Sanskrit version. However, modern people supported Dao Xuan’s Record with two arguments. One is Lao Zi’ original name, according to legend, is Li Er, whom Emperor Taizhong treated as ancient wise man of his own clan. The second evidence can be found in Introduction of India-New Historical Book of Tang, which has it to say, “The State of Kàmaråpa offers exotic gifts and its atlas, but requests to be given a Portrait of Lao Zi as return gift.” And Monk Xuangzang once visited that country and used to be on good term with King Kumàra. The assumption of real existence of the Xuan Zang’s Sanskrit version should not be discarded, instead, should be kept as one of the versions waiting to be certified by any evidence either on the ground or underground. Hindi translated version of Tao Upanishad has appeared for a long time, and its influence is gradually gaining momentum.