Srivijaya's Chinese Pilgrim Yijing and the Buddhist Golden Age

This episode of Fexingo History explores the life and travels of the Chinese Buddhist monk Yijing, who spent over a decade in Srivijaya in the 7th century. We follow his journey from Tang China to the monasteries of Palembang and Muaro Jambi, where he studied Sanskrit and translated texts. Lucas and Luna discuss Yijing's detailed records of Srivijaya's society, economy, and Buddhist practices, including his accounts of the region's gold, trade, and the role of the Orang Laut. We also examine how Yijing's writings provide crucial evidence for the empire's power and its connections with India, China, and the Srivijayan mandala system. The episode touches on the significance of his translations, his critiques of other monks, and what his observations reveal about the daily life of a 7th-century Southeast Asian empire. A must-listen for those interested in Buddhist history, maritime trade, and the Silk Road of the Sea. #Yijing #Srivijaya #Buddhism #ChinesePilgrim #Palembang #MuaroJambi #TangDynasty #Sanskrit #OrangLaut #SilkRoadOfTheSea #BuddhistMonasteries #Nalanda #7thCentury #SoutheastAsia #MaritimeHistory #Translation #Pilgrimage #History Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo