Xuanzang

“Intrepid traveler, chronicler of Indian Buddhism, consummate scholar, translator extraordinaire, and inspiration for Journey to the West, Xuanzang may be the most famous figure in the history of Buddhism after the Buddha himself. If you don’t believe it, read this book, where Benjamin Brose recounts Xuanzang’s extraordinary life and offers finely crafted translations from his inspiring works and from works inspired by him.”—Donald S. Lopez Jr., author of Gendun Chopel: Tibet’s Modern Visionary“[An] excellent addition to the Lives of the Masters Series … Brose’s smart volume is a compact yet comprehensive introduction to Xuanzang.”—Publishers Weekly“Brose’s book joins a distinguished lineage of studies about China’s most famous pilgrim-monk. However, its nuance and depth of thought give it a strong edge over many introductory books to Xuanzang. This is the strength of the ‘Lives of the Masters’ series: it re-introduces familiar names in an updated light, allowing us to revisit these great women and men, while being able to enjoy a different conversation with them.”—Buddhistdoor Global“Brose paints a vivid portrait of Xuanzang.”—Buddhadharma“An objective and comprehensive picture of Xuanzang’s life… . This book is a gem.”—Reading Religion“This book is well-structured and meticulously presented and provides a wide range of documentary sources, especially new English translations published in recent years, which will greatly help English-speaking readers.”—Religious Studies Review

BENJAMIN BROSE is an associate professor of Chinese Buddhism at the University of Michigan. His work on the history of religion in China, with a particular focus on Buddhism, has centered on two transformational historical eras–the late ninth through the early eleventh centuries and the twentieth century–in an attempt to better understand the relationships between social, cultural, and political change and the development of religious doctrines and practices. He is the author of Patrons and Patriarchs: Regional Rulers and Chan Monks during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms and numerous scholarly articles.