Xaunzang's journey would commence under great difficulty which forshadows the hardships that Xaunzang would face on his long journey. Forbidden by Emperor Taizong from setting forth on his quest Xaunzang must set out under the cover of darkness, encountering many who advise him to heed the Emperor's commands. Yet, Xaunzang holds firm to his mission and continues west toward the Taklamakan desert. It is in the Taklamakan desert that Xaunzang would encounter his first true hardship, the results of which would give Xaunzang's journey a special significance. After praying his way out of an assassination attempt, Xaunzang is stranded without water in the vastness of the Taklamkan desert. Miraculously, Xaunzang's horse is able to lead Xaunzang to safety and refuge at a watering hole and two days later to the oasis that was his original destination. The factors of Xaunzang's salvation seemed miraculous and stamped his quest with a seal of importance. This was only the first of many hardships that Xaunzang would encounter along his journey. Other hardships he would face include entanglements with foreign kings, assassination attempts, attacks by marauders, and kidnappings by pirates. Xaunzang comes out of these hardships unscathed and with a better understanding of his mission.
Xaunzang was ultimately... [continues]
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