In the Forest of the Blind: The Eurasian Journey of Faxian's Record of Buddhist Kingdoms

The Record of Buddhist Kingdoms, a travelogue by Faxian, was translated into French in the 19th century and studied by Hegel, Schopenhauer, and Nietzsche. It was reintroduced to Inner Asia in the 1850s and 1917 and was read and reinterpreted by Siberian, Mongolian, and Tibetan scholars and Buddhist monks. Matthew W. King's book explores the transnational literary, social, and political history of the circulation, translation, and interpretation of Faxian's Record, highlighting how it provided Inner Asian readers with new historical resources and developed an Asian historiography independent of Western influence.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 312 pages
Publication date: 15 March 2022
Publisher: Columbia University Press

The Record of Buddhist Kingdoms, a timeless travelogue penned by the Chinese monk Faxian during the early fifth century CE, chronicles his remarkable journey to sacred Buddhist sites across Central and South Asia. This remarkable text, which traversed the Western world in the nineteenth century, emerged as the inaugural scholarly work on "Buddhist Asia," a concept coined by European scholars. Its captivating allure captured the hearts of European academic Orientalists, who avidly studied it, alongside influential figures such as Hegel, Schopenhauer, and Nietzsche.

Over time, the book embarked on a remarkable journey back to its origins, making its way to Inner Asia through an 1850s translation into Mongolian and subsequently into Tibetan in 1917. During these tumultuous decades, the text was diligently examined and reinterpreted by scholars and Buddhist monks from Siberia, Mongolia, and Tibet.

In his groundbreaking work, Matthew W. King delves into the intricate transnational literary, social, and political history of the circulation, translation, and interpretation of Faxian's Record. He skillfully analyzes its multifaceted journeys, juxtaposing the textual and interpretative traditions of the European academy with the monastic traditions of Inner Asia. Through his meticulous research, King unveils how the Record provided Inner Asian readers with invaluable historical resources, enabling them to comprehend their past and their present in unique ways. Moreover, he demonstrates how the text fostered the development of an Asian historiography that stood apart from Western influences, contributing to a richer and more nuanced understanding of the region.

Reconstructing this circulatory history, In the Forest of the Blind presents annotated translations that enhance our understanding of Faxian's text. By employing decolonizing methods and approaches, this book offers valuable insights into Buddhist studies and Asian humanities, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable approach to scholarship.

In conclusion, The Record of Buddhist Kingdoms, through its captivating narrative and profound insights, has left an indelible mark on the world of academia. Matthew W. King's groundbreaking work in In the Forest of the Blind sheds light on the transnational circulation, translation, and interpretation of this ancient text, illuminating its profound impact on the development of Asian historiography and providing valuable resources for scholars and enthusiasts alike.

Weight: 508g
Dimension: 157 x 234 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231203616