Education in Ancient India c13.9

c13.9

A Chinese Tribute : Yuan Chwang pays an equally high compliment to the Indian character during the 7th century A.D. He has carefully noted the weak and strong points in the character of the peoples of different districts ; but while summing up his impressions of the Indian character as a whole, he says “They (i.e. Indians) are of hasty and irresolute temperament, but of pure moral principles. They will not take anything wrongfully and they yield more than fairness requires. They fear for retribution for sins in other lives and make light of what conduct produces in this life. They do not practice deceit and they keep their sworn obligations.”¹ Vast majority of Indians in Yuan Chwang’s time did not share his religious beliefs and practices and yet they receive the above high compliment from the Chinese pilgrim.