Faxian (Great Lives from History: The Ancient World, Prehistory-476)
Early Life
Not much is known about the early life of Faxian (fah-shyahn). He was born c. 337 in Wuyang in Shanxi Province. His original name was Gong. He was admitted to the Buddhist orders at the age of three and received the name Faxian (“Manifestation of the Law”).
Life’s Work
In 399 c.e. the Buddhist Faxian decided to journey to India. His reason for making the journey was his concern that “not all the canon of the Monastic Rules was obtainable in China.” He was not to return to China until 414. On his return he composed Fo Guo Ji, also...
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