Empire: World History 132. Journey to Nalanda and the Library of Jewels
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Mar 19, 2024 Embark on a thrilling journey as a monk faces bandits and storms while seeking the renowned university of Nalanda. Experience the tension between Hinduism and Buddhism, including moments of cooperation and strife. Discover a remarkable tale of a captured monk whose meditation spawns an unexpected storm, saving him from sacrifice. Delve into the influence of a concubine who elevated Buddhism's status in the Chinese court. This adventure intertwines ancient knowledge with the resilience of faith amidst adversity.
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Buddhism's Decline in India
- Xuanzang was disappointed to find Buddhism in decline in India, with many monasteries in ruins.
- He attributed this decline partly to Mihirakula, a White Hun ruler who allegedly destroyed many monasteries.
India: A Land of Many Kingdoms
- Xuanzang viewed India as a land of 70 kingdoms, not a unified country like China.
- He faced robbers and bandits, and was almost sacrificed to the goddess Durga by pirates.
Escape from Sacrifice
- Captured by pirates for sacrifice, Xuanzang began meditating.
- A sudden storm frightened the pirates, who then released him, believing him to be divinely protected.