The Bodhisattva Precepts in Xuanzang's Translation of the Pusajie jiemo wen

Abstract

The Pusajie jiemo wen was translated by Xuanzang in 649. Although it is widely thought to have been produced from the Bodhisattavabumi of the Yogacarabhumi, this is not strictly true. The Pusajie jiemo wen was a reorganized text of the Yogacarabhumi. The text was reorganized in order to use it in the actual ritual of receiving the precepts.
Xuanzang held great interest in the bodhisattva precepts. When he visited India, he entreated his master, Silabhadra, to give the precepts to him, though he had already received them in China. It is likely that the reorganized ritual in the Pusajie jiemo wen reflects Xuanzang's experience in India.
Upon his return to China, he often gave the bodhisattva precepts to the ministers of the Tang dynasty. Xuanzang believed that it would help increase their support towards Buddhism.