The Legacy of Śīlabhadra: Teacher of Xuanzang

Śīlabhadra: Teacher of Xuanzang

Śīlabhadra was a Buddhist monk and the abbot of Nalanda Mahavihara, the ancient Buddhist university in Bihar, India. He is a significant figure in Buddhist history primarily for being the teacher of the renowned Chinese monk and traveler, Xuanzang.

Who was Śīlabhadra?

Śīlabhadra (c. 529–645 AD) was an eminent Buddhist scholar and master of the Yogācāra school of Buddhism. Born into a Brahmin family in the kingdom of Samatata (modern-day Bangladesh), he became a monk at a young age and eventually rose to become the abbot of Nalanda, one of the world's most famous centers of learning.

What is his connection to Xuanzang?

Xuanzang traveled from China to India in the 7th century to study Buddhism and collect authentic scriptures. He spent significant time at Nalanda Mahavihara, where Śīlabhadra became his primary teacher. Śīlabhadra taught Xuanzang the core principles of Yogācāra philosophy, particularly the Yogācārabhūmi Śāstra. Xuanzang's detailed accounts provide the main source of information about Śīlabhadra and the Nalanda monastery.

What did Śīlabhadra teach Xuanzang?

Śīlabhadra was renowned for his mastery of Yogācāra, a Mahayana Buddhist school emphasizing the mind's role in constructing reality. He guided Xuanzang through foundational texts, focusing on complex topics like the nature of consciousness and the path to enlightenment. Xuanzang spent several years under Śīlabhadra’s guidance, gaining a deep understanding that he later brought back to China.

Why is Nalanda significant in this story?

Nalanda was the university where this historic teacher-student relationship unfolded. At its peak, Nalanda was a thriving monastic center with thousands of students and teachers from across Asia. Śīlabhadra's role as abbot highlights his esteemed position in the Buddhist intellectual community. The university served as the hub where Xuanzang could access authentic teachings, making this journey and relationship crucial for the spread of Buddhism.