The Supremacy of Ancient India

The Supremacy of Ancient India | 1 min.

Two interesting letters, originally written in Sanskrit, have been preserved in China. One of these was written in 654 A.C. by an Indian Buddhist scholar, Sthavira Prajnadeva, to Hsuan-Tsang.

After greeting and news about common friends and their literary work, he proceeds to say:

"We are sending you a pair of white cloths to show that we are not forgetful. The road is long, so do not mind the smallness of the present. We wish you may accept it. As regards the Sutras and Shastras which you may require please send us a list. We will copy them and send them to you."

Hsuan-Tsang in his reply says:

"I learnt from an ambassador who recently came back from India that the great teacher Shilabhadra was no more. This news overwhelmed me with grief that knew no bounds. Among the Sutras and Shastras that I, Hsuan-Tsang, had brought with me I have already translated the Yogacharyabhumi-Shastra and other works, in all thirty volumes. I should humbly let you know that while crossing the Indus I had lost a load of sacred texts. I now send you a list of the texts annexed to this letter. I request you to send them to me if you get the chance. I am sending some small articles as presents. Please accept them."

[Stress mine].

Source:

Quoted in India and China, Dr. P. C. Bagchi, Calcutta, 1944;
The Discovery of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, Penguin Random House 2004 Reprint, PN206;
Free Electronic Library.

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