A Record of Buddhistic Kingdoms

A search for Buddhist books of discipline took the Chinese monk Faxian through India and Ceylon between 399 and 414. His travel account describes monasteries, offerings and the support available to pilgrims. In the passage concerning Sravasti, religious traditions share space with practical observations: roadside houses supply visitors with rooms, beds, food and drink, while different communities follow their own teachings and customs.

James Legge's translation includes extensive notes and the Chinese text. In his preface, Legge explains his work on names and religious terms, and the difficulty of making the account clear to English readers. His annotations connect places and traditions with historical and religious explanations. The volume suits readers interested in early travel writing or Buddhist history, especially those who want to see how a pilgrim's record brings together sacred stories, local institutions and everyday arrangements for people travelling from place to place.