Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v2.c14.s4.t3.22

v2.c14.s4.t3.22

The second time that Emperor Taizong of Tang sent an envoy to India (643-645 CE), Kumāra asked for the translation of Dao Dejing. Li Yibiao, after returning to Tang, submitted a written statement about the request to Emperor Taizong who then ordered Master Xuanzang to conduct the translation (Collection of Theories of Buddhism and Taoism in Ancient and Modern Time, volume III, Translation of Tao-te-ching by Master Heun Sang under the Order of Emperor Taizong). During the third time that Emperor Taizong sent envoys to India (between 647-648 CE), Wang Xuance brought the Sanskrit version of Dao Dejing to Janaka Kumara, and this was how the stories of Janaka Kumara rewarding soldiers, submitting maps and welcoming the portrait of Lao Zi took place.