Four Pilgrims

"Four Pilgrims" by William Boulting is an early 20th-century historical work focused on travelers searching to grow their knowledge. The detailed narrative highlights Hiuen-Tsiang, a Chinese monk who, in the 7th century, travels to India to find Buddhist writings and insight. Hiuen-Tsiang's story begins during a chaotic time in China that shaped his desire to get true Buddhist texts; he bravely ignores monastic orders and risks traveling west with traders. Hiuen-Tsiang faces many challenges, such as crossing a scary desert and dealing with local rulers, demonstrating his strong beliefs and the mixing of cultures and religions in the olden days.