User:Chen Zhen

Xuanzang Abstract: Xuanzang, a prominent translator in Chinese Buddhist history, holds significant status in the propagation of Buddhism. After undergoing arduous pilgrimages to obtain scriptures, he returned and, with a rigorous attitude and exceptional erudition, translated a vast number of Buddhist scriptures. This immensely enriched the connotation of Chinese Buddhist culture and contributed immensely to the interpretation and dissemination of Buddhist doctrines. Furthermore, Xuanzang’s journey to the West for scriptures became a wellspring of inspiration for subsequent literary works, including Journey to the West, profoundly influencing the developmental trajectory of Chinese literature. His persona and experiences have been continuously interpreted and sublimated within the realm of literature. I. Xuanzang’s Pilgrimage for Buddhist Scriptures Xuanzang, born Chen Yi, was a renowned monk of the Tang Dynasty. From a young age, he displayed remarkable intelligence and a strong interest in Buddhist studies. Due to the numerous errors and contradictions in the Buddhists scriptures available in the country at that time, Xuanzang resolutely deceided to journey west in search of the true Buddhist scriptures. In the first year of Emperor Taizong's Zhenguan era, he embarked on this journey alone, crossing deserts and climbing mountains, encountering countless hardships such as water and food shortages, sandstorms, and threats from bandits. After over a decade of arduous travel, Xuanzang finally reached Nalanda Temple, the Buddhist center in India, where he studied under the renowned Master Silabhadra and delved deeply into Buddhist scriptures. With his exceptional knowledge and profound understanding, he emerged as one of the most erudite Buddhist masters of his time. II. Xuanzang's Major Contributions as a Translator of Buddhist Scriptures (1) Quantity and Quality of Translated Buddhist Scriptures Upon his return from India with a wealth of precious Buddhist scriptures, Xuanzang dedicated himself entirely to their translation. Over the subsequent nineteen years, he translated 75 texts comprising 1,335 fascicles of Buddhist scriptures. The sheer volume and scale of his translation work are awe-inspiring. In terms of translation quality, Xuanzang strived for faithfulness to the original texts. With his mastery of both Sanskrit and Chinese, he possessed a profound understanding of the doctrines and terminology within the scriptures. For instance, when translating The Great Tang Dynasty Record of the Western Regions, he meticulously documented his observations and experiences during his journey west. These included geographical, historical, religious, and cultural aspects of the various countries he visited, providing invaluable primary resources for subsequent research on the historical geography of ancient Central and South Asia. In his approach to translating Buddhist scriptures, he combined sense-for-sense and sound translation methods. This ensured that the translations accurately conveyed the original meaning of the scriptures while aligning with Chinese expressive habits, enabling Chinese monks and laypeople to better comprehend Buddhist doctrines. (2) Unification of Buddhist Terminology Prior to Xuanzang, the haphazard introduction of Buddhist scriptures by various individuals from different regions had resulted in chaotic terminology, posing significant challenges to the propagation and study of Buddhism. Xuanzang systematically compiled and standardized the terminology from numerous scriptures, establishing a unified system of Buddhist terminology. This initiative rendered Buddhist doctrines clearer and more comprehensible during their dissemination. It allowed Buddhist practitioners from different regions and sects to accurately grasp the essence of Buddhist thought. This greatly facilitated the unification and development of Buddhism in China and laid a solid foundation for in-depth research and interpretation of Buddhist theories. (3) Dissemination of Buddhist Culture Xuanzang’s translation work transcended mere linguistic conversion; it served as a pivotal pathway for the comprehensive and in-depth introduction of Indian Buddhist culture into China. The scriptures he translated encompassed various schools and fields of Buddhism, including Buddhist theories, practices, and stories. This enabled Chinese Buddhists to gain a comprehensive understanding of the rich connotations of Buddhism. Additionally, these translations fostered cultural exchanges between China and India. Elements of Indian culture, such as philosophy, art, astronomy, and calendrical science, were introduced to China through the translation of Buddhist scriptures. To a certain extent, these elements influenced various aspects of Chinese culture, enriched its essence, and propelled its development and progress. III. Influence on Subsequent Literary Works (1) The Creative Prototype of Journey to the West The story of Xuanzang’s journey to the West for Buddhist scriptures circulated widely among the populace. Over time, through oral transmission and literary adaptation, it gradually evolved into various artistic forms such as drama and storytelling. Drawing upon these folktales and historical records, the Ming Dynasty literary giant Wu Cheng’en penned the renowned novel Journey to the West. In the novel, Xuanzang is portrayed as the central character, Tang monk. Although the fictional Tang monk differs from the historical Xuanzang in certain aspects, such as appearing more pedantic and cowardly in character, he nonetheless retains the fundamental fact of Xuanzang’s journey west in search of Buddhist teachings. The novel follows the four disciples of Tang monk on their pilgrimage to the West for scriptures. Through a series of fantastical and colorful storylines, it depicts their arduous journey, facing ninety-nine difficulties and eighty-one tribulations, ultimately achieving the acquisition of the true scriptures. (2) Transmission and Expansion of Literary Themes The themes embedded in the narrative of Xuanzang’s journey to the West for Buddhist scriptures have been inherited and expanded in subsequent literary works. The central theme revolves around the steadfast adherence to faith and the pursuit of truth, a theme that is fully exemplified in Journey to the West. Throughout their pilgrimage, the four disciples of Tang monk are confronted with various temptations and threats from demons and monsters. Yet, they remain unwavering in their initial aspiration and persist in their journey, demonstrating their firm belief in Buddhist doctrines. Their experiences also symbolize the myriad challenges and difficulties people encounter when pursuing life goals, as well as the spirit of overcoming adversity and pressing forward. This theme continues to be interpreted and promoted in other literary works, inspiring individuals to maintain steadfast beliefs and pursue their ideals in the face of hardship. (3) Shaping Literary Characters Xuanzang’s persona has provided abundant material for subsequent literary creations. Numerous literary masters have drawn inspiration from him to craft a variety of literary characters. In addition to Tang monk in Journey to the West, other literary works feature characters modeled after or inspired by Xuanzang. These characters may embody Xuanzang’s wisdom and compassion, exhibit his resilience and perseverance, or incorporate the magical elements of his pilgrimage. They have enriched the gallery of characters in Chinese literature and offered a continuous source of inspiration for literary creation. IV. Conclusion As an exceptional translator of Buddhist scriptures, Xuanzang made indelible contributions to the translation, dissemination, and development of Buddhist culture. The scriptures he translated have become treasures in the repository of Chinese Buddhist culture, profoundly influencing the direction and essence of Chinese Buddhism. Moreover, Xuanzang’s legendary journey to the West for Buddhist scriptures has provided rich material and profound substance for subsequent literary works. It played a crucial role in the emergence of classic literary works such as Journey to the West. His dual impact in the realms of religion and literature has established him as an immortal monument in the annals of Chinese cultural history. He continues to radiate unique charm, enlightening future generations in their quest for truth and elevation of spiritual realm. In contemporary society, delving into Xuanzang’s deeds and contributions holds significant practical importance for inheriting and promoting China’s excellent traditional culture and fostering cultural exchange and integration.

Questions: 1.What were the challenges faced by Xuanzang during his pilgrimage for Buddhist scriptures? 2.What were Xuanzang’s major contributions as a translator of Buddhist scriptures? 3.What impact did Xuanzang have on subsequent literary works?

Terms: 1.Translator of Buddhist scriptures 2.Dissemination of Buddhism 3.Journey to the West 4.The Great Tang Dynasty Record of the Western Regions 5.Cultural exchange

References: [1] Guo Hongyu. Re-reading Xuanzang’s “Five Transliteration” in Translation Theory—On Translation Strategies for Religious and Cultural Loanwords [J]. Journal of Tianjin Foreign Studies University. 2009.16(4): 36-41. [2] Hu Wenzhong. An Introduction to Cross-cultural Communication [M]. Beijing: Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press, 1999: 64. [3] Luo Xinzhang. Collected Essays on Translation [M]. Beijing: The Commercial Press, 1984. [4] Murray, Catford. Linguistic Theory of Translation [J]. Language and Translation, 1993(2): 54-56. [5] Shi Xiaomei, Lu Xiaohong. The Innovation and Modern Significance of Xuanzang’s Terminology Translation Theory [J]. Ethnic Translation. 2013.2: 11. [6] Sun Qingxiang. On Xuanzang’s Contributions to Translation [J]. Journal of Nanchang Higher Vocational College. 2012.27(2): 52:54. [7] Xi Jinping. Hold High the Great Banner of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics and Unite and Strive for the Comprehensive Building of a Modern Socialist Country—The Report at the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China [M]. Beijing: People’s Publishing House, 2022: 43, 46. [8] Xie Tianzhen. A Brief History of Chinese and Western Translation [M]. Beijing: Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press, 2009. [9] Xu Jianping, Zhang Rongxi. The Issue of Foreignization and Domestication in Cross-cultural Translation [J]. Chinese Translation, 2002 (5): 38-41. [10] Zhu Peixuan. Xuanzang’s Translation Theory and Practice and Its Value and Influence on Contemporary Chinese Translation [D]. Shanghai: Central China Normal University, 2012. [11] Xie Qian. A Dictionary of Chinese Studies [M]. Sichuan Dictionary Publishing House, 2018.05: 90.

玄奘 摘要：玄奘作为中国佛教史上杰出的译经家，其翻译工作在佛教传播史上具有举足轻重的地位。他历经艰辛取经归来后，以严谨的态度和卓越的学识，翻译了大量佛经，极大地丰富了我国佛教文化内涵，对佛教教义的阐释和传播贡献巨大。同时，玄奘的西行取经故事成为后世包括《西游记》在内的众多文学作品的灵感源泉，深刻影响了我国文学的发展轨迹，其形象和经历在文学领域被不断演绎与升华。 一、玄奘的取经历程 玄奘，俗姓陈，名袆，唐代著名高僧。他自幼聪颖好学，对佛学产生浓厚兴趣。由于当时国内佛经存在诸多错漏与矛盾之处，为求得佛教真经，玄奘毅然决定西行求法。唐太宗贞观元年，他孤身一人踏上西行之路，穿越沙漠、翻越高山，历经无数艰难险阻，包括缺水断粮、风沙侵袭以及强盗威胁等。最终，玄奘历时十余年，抵达印度佛教中心那烂陀寺，师从戒贤大师，深入学习佛教经典，成为当时学识渊博的佛学大师之一。 二、玄奘作为译经家的主要贡献 （一）翻译佛经的数量与质量 玄奘从印度取经归来后，带回了大量珍贵的佛教经典。在之后的十九年里，他全身心投入到佛经翻译工作中，共翻译了 75 部 1335 卷佛经，其翻译数量之多、规模之大令人惊叹。在翻译质量上，玄奘追求忠于原著，他精通梵文和汉文，对佛经中的教义、术语等有着深刻理解。例如在翻译《大唐西域记》时，他详细记录了自己西行途中的所见所闻，包括各国的地理、历史、宗教、风俗等方面内容，为后人研究古代中亚和南亚地区的历史地理提供了极为宝贵的一手资料。在佛经翻译方面，他采用意译与音译相结合的方式，使得译文既准确传达了佛经的原意，又符合汉语的表达习惯，让中土僧俗能够更好地领悟佛教教义。 （二）统一佛教术语 在玄奘之前，由于佛教经文由不同的人从不同地区传入中国，导致佛教术语混乱不堪，给佛教的传播和学习带来极大困难。玄奘对众多佛经中的术语进行了系统的整理和规范，创建了一套统一的佛教术语体系。这一举措使得佛经在传播过程中，教义更加清晰明了，不同地区、不同学派的佛教徒能够准确理解佛教思想的内涵，极大地促进了佛教在中国的统一与发展，为佛教理论的深入研究和阐释奠定了坚实基础。 （三）传播佛教文化 玄奘的译经工作不仅仅是简单的文字转换，更是将印度佛教文化全面而深入地引入中国的重要途径。他翻译的佛经涵盖了佛教的各个宗派和领域，包括佛学理论、修行方法、佛教故事等，使中国的佛教徒能够全面了解佛教的丰富内涵。同时，这些译经也促进了中印文化交流，印度的哲学、艺术、天文、历算等文化元素随着佛经的翻译传入中国，在一定程度上影响了中国文化的各个层面，丰富了中国文化的内涵，推动了中国文化的发展与进步。 三、对后续文学作品的影响 （一）《西游记》的创作原型 玄奘西行取经的故事在民间广为流传，经过漫长的口头传承和文学加工，逐渐演变成了各种戏剧、说唱等艺术形式。明代文学家吴承恩在这些民间传说和历史记载的基础上，创作了著名的神魔小说《西游记》。在《西游记》中，玄奘被塑造成了唐僧这一核心人物形象。虽然小说中的唐僧在某些方面与历史上的玄奘有所不同，例如在性格上显得更加迂腐和懦弱，但他仍然保留了玄奘西行求法这一基本事迹。小说以唐僧师徒四人西天取经为主线，通过一系列奇幻绚丽的故事情节，展现了他们历经九九八十一难，最终取得真经的历程。 （二）文学主题的传承与拓展 玄奘西行取经的故事所蕴含的主题在后世文学作品中得到了传承与拓展。其核心主题是对信仰的坚守和对真理的追求，这种主题在《西游记》中得到了充分展现。唐僧师徒四人在取经途中，面对各种妖魔鬼怪的诱惑和威胁，始终不改初心，坚持前行，体现了对佛教信仰的坚定信念。同时，他们的经历也象征着人们在追求人生目标的过程中所面临的种种困难与挑战，以及克服困难、勇往直前的精神。这种主题在其他文学作品中也不断被演绎和弘扬，激励着人们在面对困境时保持坚定的信念，追求自己的理想。 （三）塑造文学人物形象 玄奘的形象为后世文学作品提供了丰富的素材，众多文学家以此为基础塑造了各种不同类型的文学人物。除了《西游记》中的唐僧外，在其他一些文学作品中，也有以玄奘为原型或受到玄奘启发而创作的人物形象。这些人物形象或具有玄奘的智慧和慈悲，或展现出他的坚韧和毅力，或融合了他在取经历程中的奇幻经历，丰富了中国文学的人物画廊，为文学创作提供了源源不断的灵感。 四、结论 玄奘作为杰出的译经家，在佛教经典的翻译、传播以及佛教文化的发展方面做出了不可磨灭的贡献，他所翻译的佛经成为中国佛教文化宝库中的瑰宝，深刻影响了中国佛教的走向和内涵。同时，玄奘西行取经的传奇经历为后世文学作品提供了丰富的素材和深厚的底蕴，尤其对《西游记》等经典文学作品的诞生起到了关键的推动作用。其在宗教与文学领域的双重影响，使他成为中国文化史上一座不朽的丰碑，持续散发着独特的魅力，启迪着后人不断探索真理、追求精神境界的提升。在当今社会，深入研究玄奘的事迹与贡献，对于传承和弘扬中华优秀传统文化，促进文化交流与融合具有重要的现实意义。

问题： 1.玄奘的取经历程具有怎样的艰险？ 2.玄奘作为译经家有哪些主要贡献？ 3.玄奘对后续文学作品产生了怎样的影响？

术语： 1.译经家 2.佛教传播 3.《西游记》 4.《大唐西域记》 5.文化交流

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