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THE STORY OF XUANGZANG
Xuanzang returned to China to teach and share the original writings and learnings of Buddha. His travels were the basis for the well-known Chinese novel “The Journey to the West.”
Due to several Buddhist missionaries like Xuanzang, Buddhism quickly spread throughout China and influenced many areas of Chinese life, including language and literature, philosophy, art, and architecture. Art images include sculptures of Buddha and paintings with Chinese faces expressing calm compassion, reflecting Buddhist values on life and time. Chinese Buddhist art work reflected a blending of Chinese art tradition and values with traditions from India, Persia, and other Central Asian regions. Chinese Buddhist architecture in pagodas, temples, and monastery buildings reflect a blending of Indian and Chinese architectural styles. One of the most significant signs of Buddhism in Chinese life can be found in language changes. Many words related to the teachings of Buddhism can be found in the Chinese language, in everyday expressions, and in proverbs spoken by Chinese people. An example is (pronounced “ch-yen shuhng”). The first character means “previous” and the second “life.” Buddhist words relating to karma and reincarnation have become part of the Chinese language.
Buddhism seemed to meet some basic demands of the human spirit for which the then existing Chinese religions offered no satisfaction. Mahayana Buddhism – the type which ultimately predominated in China – presented a more definite picture of the future life and could promise to all who followed its precepts the assurance of bliss beyond the grave – an ample and happy existence of which it gave glowing specific portrayal. It also terrified the timid and warned the wicked with its hells...
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