Xuanzang was the Chinese Buddhist monk who translated the Heart Sutra and other texts after studying in India.
Xuanzang traveled from Tang China to India in the seventh century, visiting Buddhist centers and studying Sanskrit teachings. After returning to Chang’an in 645, he worked with a translation team sponsored by the imperial court. His translations helped establish authoritative Chinese versions of major Mahayana Buddhist scriptures.
The Heart Sutra is traditionally associated with Xuanzang’s Chinese translation, although its textual history is complex and the Sanskrit tradition includes related versions. Xuanzang also translated extensive works connected with Yogacara philosophy and Buddhist logic.
He is often remembered primarily as a traveler because his journey inspired the later novel Journey to the West. The historical monk, however, was also a scholar, translator, and organizer of one of Tang China’s most important translation projects.