Chapter I

Fa-hian, when formerly residing at Ch’ang-an, regretted the imperfect condition of the Vinaya pitaka. Whereupon, afterwards, in the second year of Hung-shi, the cyclic year being Chi-hai, he agreed with Hwui-king, Tao-ching, Hwui-ying, Hwui-wu, and others, to go to India for the purpose of seeking the rules and regulations (of the Vinaya).

Starting on their way from Ch’ang-an, they crossed the Lung (district) and reached the country of K’ien-kwei; here they rested during the rains. The season of the rains being over, going forward, they came to the country of Niu-t’an; crossing the Yang-lu hills, they reached Chang-yeh, a military station. Chang-yeh at this time was much disturbed, and the roadways were not open. The king of Chang-yeh being anxious, kept them there, himself entertaining them. Thus they met Chi-yen, Hwui-kin, Sang-shau, Pao-yun, Sang-king, and others; pleased that they were like-minded, they kept the rainy season together. The rainy season being over, they again pressed on to reach Tun-hwang. The fortifications here are perhaps 80 li in extent from east to west, and 40 li from north to south. They all stopped here a month and some days, when Fa-hian and others, five men in all, set out first, in the train of an official, and so again parted with Pao-yun and the rest. The prefect of Tun-hwang, called Li-ho, provided them with means to cross the desert (sand-river). In this desert are many evil demons and hot winds; when encountered, then all die without exception. There are no flying birds above, no roaming beasts below, but everywhere gazing as far as the eye cau reach in search of the onward route, it would be impossible to know the way hut for dead men’s decaying bones, which show the direction.

Going on for seventeen days about 1500 li, they reached the country of Shen-shen.