Hsuantsangs

Hsuantsangs refers to the disciples and followers of the Buddhist monk Xuanzang, a pivotal figure in Chinese Buddhist history. Xuanzang, who lived in the 7th century during the Tang Dynasty, is renowned for his epic 17-year pilgrimage to India. His journey was motivated by a desire to obtain authentic Buddhist scriptures and knowledge from their original sources. Upon his return to China, Xuanzang brought back an immense collection of Buddhist texts, translating many of them into Chinese.

The "Hsuantsangs" are the individuals who studied under him, assisted in his translation efforts, or were inspired by his teachings and translations. These disciples played a crucial role in disseminating Buddhist philosophy and practices throughout China and East Asia. They were instrumental in preserving and propagating the vast amount of knowledge Xuanzang had acquired, ensuring that his life's work had a lasting impact. Their collective efforts contributed significantly to the development and enrichment of East Asian Buddhism, shaping its theological, philosophical, and artistic traditions for centuries to come. The legacy of Xuanzang and his followers is thus deeply intertwined with the history of Buddhism in China and beyond.