Hyecho's Journey: The World of Buddhism by Donald S. Lopez Jr., et al.

Hyecho's Journey: The World of Buddhism offers a unique, experimental exploration of the imagined Buddhist world known to the 8th-century Korean monk-pilgrim Hyecho. Unlike traditional scholarly works, it does not focus on critical translations or novel theories but instead reconstructs the cultural and religious landscape Hyecho would have experienced through stories, legends, and myths associated with his life and travels. The book covers key Buddhist sites, including Lumbini (the Buddha's birthplace), Bodh Gaya, and Vulture Peak, blending historical narrative with art from the Freer and Sackler Galleries' collections. Its structure—with distinct sections on 'The Story,' 'The Commentary,' 'The Art,' and 'Further Reading'—makes it accessible for both academic and general audiences, serving as a valuable resource for introductory Buddhism courses or complementary material in doctrinal studies.

McBride, R. D. (2020). Hyecho’s Journey: The World of Buddhism by Donald S. Lopez Jr., et al. Harvard Journal of Asiatic Studies, 80(1), 249–252. https://doi.org/10.1353/jas.2020.0014