Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v2.c14.s4.t3.8

v2.c14.s4.t3.8

Master Xuanzang started his journey in the Zhenguan first year of the reign of Emperor Taizong of Tang (627 CE) to go westward on a pilgrimage for Buddhist scriptures. He arrived in India between 628-629 CE. In 640-641 CE, he met Siladitya and returned to Chang’an in the first month of the Zhenguan 19^th year (645 CE), and on February 1, he headed to Luoyang to meet Emperor Taizong. The Emperor then asked Master Xuanzang to write *Records of the Western Regions of the Great Tang* which was finished a year and a half later. In Zhenguan 20^th year (646 CE), Master Xuanzang presided over a translation institute to translate Buddhism scriptures, and disseminate the dharma until his death in Linde 1st year of Emperor Gaozong (664 CE). Master Xuanzang’s journey to the west was during the reign of Emperor Taizong, and his work received great endorsement from Emperor Taizong, and his successor Emperor Gaozong. Emperor Taizong named Xuanzang the “Great Leader of the Dharma” in his writing, *Holy Orders*.