Si-Yu-Ki Buddhist Records of the Western World : Translated from the Chinese of Hiuen Tsiang (A.D. 629) Vol I.

Abstract

Among the various travelogues, Hiuen Tsiangs Si yu ki or Records of the Western World, is regarded to be the most valuable sources book for the study of ancient Indian hsitory. Si-yu-ki is not merely a travel diary recording Hiuen Tsiang visit to various places in India and the places en route, but is also an account of the conditions of India during the seventh century. This journey was undertaken by Hieun Tsiang primarily with a view to visiting the Buddhist places of pilgrimage and to seek answers to the questions agitating his mind. He was inspired in this by the recollection of similar journeys undertaken centuries ago by his predecessors, Fa hien Sung Yun and many others. About Author : Rev. Samuel Beal graduated in 1847 from Trinity college, Cambridge. Between 1852 and 1887 he worked as a Bishop in the British Navy and iafter retirement in 1888 became the Rector of Greens Norton, Towcester. In 1877 he was appointed a lecturer in Chinese in the University College, London. Contents : Introduction Travels of Fa Hian or Fo Knoki The Mission of Sung Yun and Hwel Sang Preface to the Ta Tang Si yu ki Thirty four countries Three Countries Fifteen countries Six Countires Additions and Corrections.