Chapter One: Monasteries and Monarchs
The Role of Buddhism in Fostering Diplomacy Through the travels of Xuanzang, an interesting side of Buddhism and religion in general was shown by how the different people we met treated him, and how the countries in his story acted. Many of their actions were because they either were Buddhist or supported Buddhist monks in some way. From the beginning, we can see how the religion of Xuanzang and his brothers affected their actions and lives. In the very first paragraph of the chapter, the scene is set with imagery of war torn China and how it directly contradicts the beliefs of Xuanzang and that China is no place for peaceful Buddhist monks (1). This brings me to the idea that Buddhism (as well as other
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Many groups of different and diverse people all lived together, traded, and conducted diplomacy, with religion playing a very large role in facilitating these actions and keeping hostilities from forming. I believe that when you think other people hold the same beliefs and ideas as you, it makes you reconsider antagonizing them, as you realize they just want the same things out of life as you. Furthermore, the end of the chapter discusses the ramifications of Xuanzang’s pilgrimage, and the many diplomatic missions that occurred after his return (19). It all started due to his curiosity and wish to learn more about his religion and world, and it evolved into alliances, trade, and much more. Throughout history, siding with someone is always much easier and attractive if you have something in common with them. Whether that is an ethnic group, language, geographic location, or in this case, religion, it can create closer relationships and peace between countries and