BEIJING, CHINA, April 22, 2006: In honor of their famous predecessor, Xuanzang (602-664 AD), two chinese monks are retracing the journey that their brother Buddhist monk made over 1300 years ago. The news release explained, “Xuanzang travelled from the city of Chang’an, which is now called Xi’an, in Shaanxi Province, to India to obtain Buddhist scriptures and study, returning 17 years later. His remarkable adventures inspired the Chinese classic ‘A Journey to the West’.” The two monks, Mingxian and Huikuan will begin their four-month journey on July 19. The article says they will travel through Pakistan, Nepal and finally to Nalanda in India, the ancient center of Buddhist learning in the eastern state of Bihar. Shi Zhongyao, general secretary of the China Buddhism association, said, “The aim is to enhance communication between China and India, and to promote Chinese culture. Since Buddhism is very popular in Guangzhou, the organizing committee chose the city to launch the project.” The monks, who will travel on foot for part of their pilgrimage, hope that the journey will promote world peace.
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