Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)

by Samuel Beal | 1884 | 224,928 words | ISBN-10: 8120811070

This is the English translation of the travel records of Xuanzang (or, Hiuen Tsiang): a Chinese Buddhist monk who traveled to India during the seventh century. This book recounts his documents his visit to India and neighboring countries, and reflects the condition of those countries during his time, including temples, culture, traditions and fest...

Chapter 5 - Country of Hwoh (Kunduz)

Note: See Book i., n. 35.

This country is also the old land of the Tuh-ho-lo country. It is about 3000 li in circuit; the chief town is about 10 li. There is no chief ruler, but the country depends on the Turks. The land is level and plain. It is regularly cultivated, and produces cereals in abundance. Trees and shrubs grow plentifully, and flowers and fruits (of various kinds) are wonderfully abundant. The climate is soft and agreeable; the manners of the people simple and honest. The men are naturally quick and impulsive; they clothe themselves with woollen garments. Many believe in the three precious objects (of worship), and a few pay their adoration to the spirits. There are ten saṅghārāmas with several hundred followers (priests). They study both the Great and the Little Vehicle, and practise the discipline of both. The king is of the Turkish clan; he governs all the little kingdoms to the south of the Iron Gates.[1] He constantly shifts his dwelling, like a bird (his bird-dwelling), not constantly occupying this town.

Going east from this, we enter the T'sung-ling mountains.[2] These mountains are situated in the middle of Jambuduvīpa. On the south they border on the great snowy mountains; on the north they reach to hot sea (Lake Temurtu), and to the "Thousand Springs;" on the west they extend to the kingdom of Hwoh; on the east to the kingdom of U-cha (Och). From east to west and from north to south they run equally for several thousand li, and abound in many hundreds of steep peaks and dark valleys. The mountain heights are rendered dangerous by the glaciers and frozen snow. The cold winds blow with fury. As the land produces a great quantity of onions therefore it is called T'sung-ling; or because the crags of these mountains have a greenish-blue tint, hence also the name.

Going east 100 li or so, we come to the kingdom of Mung-kin.

Footnotes and references:

[1]:

For the "iron gates" see Book i., n. 199.

[2]:

For the T'sung-ling Mountains see Book i., n. 77.

Like what you read? Consider supporting this website: