A Record of Buddhistic Kingdoms Being an account by the Chinese monk Fâ-hien of his travels in India and Ceylon (A.D. 399-414) in search of the Buddhist books of discipline

"A Record of Buddhistic Kingdoms" by Faxian is a historical record of a monk’s journey through India and Ceylon in the early 5th century. The story follows Faxian, a Chinese monk, as he travels in search of Buddhist texts tied to discipline, giving insight into the practices, cultures, and landscapes of ancient South Asia. The story opens with Faxian's departure and shows the hardships faced by pilgrims, like dangerous deserts and unwelcoming environments. As Faxian continues, he shows the growing presence of monks along the way, as well as sharing his discoveries and encounters with different Buddhist communities, ultimately emphasizing his purpose for finding the vital texts. Readers discover challenges faced, revealing this account as a historical document on Buddhism’s travels and impact.