I-Tsing (Yijing)

I-Tsing (Yijing) — The Discipline Master

Monastic Life at Nalanda

I-Tsing studied Sanskrit grammar and Buddhism at Nalanda for 11 years, providing the most detailed account of Buddhist monastic discipline and daily life in India. His work is crucial for understanding the practical aspects of Indian Buddhism.

Daily Routine

He described the daily routine of monks — meditation, study, and begging rounds. He documented the practice of burning incense and offering flowers to Buddha images, noting the use of the Indian calendar and seasonal festivals.

Maritime Trade

He described the maritime trade routes connecting India with Southeast Asia, showing the commercial networks that facilitated the spread of Buddhism.