I read with great interest your cover story on Xuanzang and the journey of Deepak Anand, retracing the Chinese monk’s path to the Buddhist sites in India (‘A pilgrim’s progress’, July 27). I was privileged to take this journey with Deepak a couple of years ago, and it was truly a profound experience. Being in sacred places such as the Jethian Valley and Nalanda, with Deepak narrating the rich history of these sites and the extraordinary journey of Xuanzang, brought the past vividly to life.

 

My journey with Deepak concluded with a visit to the Ganges in Varanasi—an unforgettable experience it was.

 

Kate Young,

On email.

 

The cover brought back memories of the Chinese monks Hiuen Tsang, Fa-Hien, I-Tsing—names I studied in school some 50 years ago—now spelt as Xuanzang, Faxian and Yijing.

 

Sudhakaran R.,

On email.

 

It is an inspiring story about Xuanzang and how his writings continue to motivate people to carry forward his legacy. Although Xuanzang contributed immensely, very little is widely known about him.

 

THE WEEK should publish more such stories on our heritage.

 

Vikash Kumar,

On email.

 

Xuanzang has inspired generations in the Indian subcontinent. School curricula should include a detailed chapter on his significant contributions to Indian heritage.

 

You have beautifully captured the essence of Xuanzang’s travels across the states in the Hindi belt.

 

Ram Kripal Singh,

On email.

 

The book—The Buddha and the Sahibs—by Charles Allen beautifully narrates how Xuanzang’s travelogues played a pivotal role in tracing the Buddha’s footsteps. Deepak Anand is doing an outstanding job of retracing these paths.

 

Saurabh Anand,

On email.

 

You have published such a well-researched story on a subject that is rarely covered by mainstream media. I truly appreciate your commitment to high-quality journalism and look forward to reading more articles on the historical legacy of Buddhism. As the co-founder of a school in Bihar, I plan to discuss the article with my students.

 

Charlotte Leech,

On email.

 

I am delighted that you featured Deepak’s travels. I have had the pleasure of having him as a historian on my Buddhist pilgrimage trip in 2019, and I was deeply impressed by his dedication and meticulous research.

 

Cathy Cole,

North Carolina, USA.

 

In 2019, I had the privilege of visiting several Buddhist sites with Deepak as part of a pilgrimage through the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies. I also know many others who are saving to travel to India to experience these historic locations. Please continue sharing such stories—the work you do is deeply meaningful to people around the world.

 

Sheila Garrick,

On email.

 

The Buddha’s legacy is rightfully an integral part of India’s culture. For centuries, however, the Tibet question has remained a blot on India’s foreign policy and its image as a champion of the non-aliged movement.

 

Geopolitics is fundamentally different from day-to-day politics; it demands considering not only the present but also the consequences that may unfold over centuries.

 

Air Marshal Laljee Verma (retd),

On email.

 

I found Deepak’s journey to be exotic and refreshingly unconventional. It is a fantastic and unique topic, offering a rich tapestry of history that is both engaging and enlightening.

 

Abhishek Jayadevan,

On email.

 

The story mentioned Xuanzang’s visit to Vadnagar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthplace. I must note in this context that, in the seventh century, Gujarat had numerous Buddhist centres, many of which were noted by Xuanzang.

 

Jigar Patel,

On email.

 

The Buddha’s teachings are practical, non-sectarian and consistently emphasise walking the path of liberation through self-effort.

 

Vijay Navalyal,

On email.

 

Self-control key

Social media is flooded with content that can be objectionable or informative (‘The invisible editor’, July 27). Today’s generation is hooked on it. While there should be some level of control over its consumption, it ultimately remains the individual’s prerogative to choose what they engage with.

 

Social media influencers post all kinds of content on platforms like Instagram to attract viewers, which can adversely affect people’s way of thinking.

 

Self-control is the key; one must avoid being carried away by everything seen online.

 

Shweta Chaudhary,

On email.

 

Forever appealing

Guru Dutt was a remarkable director, and the cover story (‘Master class’, July 20) on him was appealing even to young readers and cine-goers. Songs from his films remain as lilting and melodious as ever. How fascinating it is that his family hailed from southern Karnataka and carried the surname of Padukone.

 

Somanna D.S.,

On email.