Xuanzang changed translation sites four times in Chang'an,the capital of the Tang Dynasty,before and after his return from his journey to procure Buddhist scriptures.The establishment and transition of these translation fields were influenced by the complex relationships Xuanzang maintained with Emperor Taizong,Emperor Gaozong,and Queen Wu.While the act of translation served a religious purpose,it was also profoundly dependent on royal patronage.Xuanzang's personal prestige and the courtesy extended by Emperor Taizong helped establish his prominent position within the Buddhist community in Chang'an.However,due to the detachment of Emperor Gaozong,Xuanzang gradually became alienated from the center of the translation activities in Chang'an,leading to a period of relative silence and neglect.Notably,after a span of 175 years of inactivity,a formal inscription was placed on the tower,marking a significant acknowledgment of this history.On one hand,Chang'an is where Xuanzang returned from his journey with scriptures,earning the respect of the populace and the reputation of Buddhism;notable inscriptions by Emperor Taizong and Emperor Gaozong can be found here,promoting the advancement of the translation of scriptures.On the other hand,Chang'an represents the complexities of Xuanzang's entanglement with imperial power,serving as a"cage"that constrained his efforts regarding scripture translation amidst the challenges and difficulties inherent in the process.Xuanzang changed his translation site four times,and his translation activities were frequently subjected to intervention and even disruption.In navigating this space of power,Xuanzang adeptly aligned himself with the authorities to further his goal of disseminating the Dharma.
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