Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v1.c7.s5.t9.3

v1.c7.s5.t9.3

In the spring of 646 CE, with the support from Emperor Taizong of Tang (627-649 CE), Xuanzang prepared to build a yard in order to translate the scriptures in Hongfu Temple, Chang’an. In summer, according to the arrangement of the court, one of the writing masters, Hui Li, came to Hongfu Temple. Since then, he remained there for many years and participated in Xuanzang’s translation work. Because he often accompanied Xuanzang and admired his knowledge and morality so after the death of Xuanzang in 664 CE, Hui Li wrote five volumes of *Biography of San Zang Master from Da Ci’en Temple* in order to spread his life story. After finishing it, he felt it was not comprehensive, and decided to store it in the crypt. Hui Li, before his death, asked his disciple to take it out. After Hui Li’s death, the book soon scattered around different places. The complete book was put together after many years of collection and purchase of its fragments. On the request of concerned authorities, Xuanzang’s disciple Yan Cong took on the mission of revising and supplementing it. Finally, 10 volumes were published in 688 CE as a complete book, which still survives up to now.