Question

What surprised or impressed Xuanzang on his visit to India? What features of Indian life might seem most strange to a Chinese visitor?

Answer 1

Xuanzang was surprised and impressed with the integrity and honorable nature of every person that he came across. Probably one thing that surprised him was the legal system of India which was based on the caste system, which was based on the spirituality of their beliefs and philosophy.

Explanation:

Part I

Xuanzang was depressed when he saw they had forward teachings he was incompetent to have. He declares that he bemoans that the Buddhism education he was given was not consummated and that it was like setting together a puzzle.

Part II

Something that may surprise a Chinese guest could be that Indian-Buddhist followers were given excuses to learn, whereas people in China like Xuanzang had a strong passion to learn the Buddhist ideas.

Answer 2

Xuanzang was surprised and impressed with the integrity and honorable nature of every person that he came across. Probably one thing that surprised him was the legal system of India which was based on the caste system, which was based on the spirituality of their beliefs and philosophy.