ABSTRACT
131 638 c.e. The best time of day in India—dawn. The place is Kapota Monastery, east of Nalanda. Xuanzang worships at a famous sandalwood statue of the Bodhisattva, called Avalokitesvara, on his way to Bengal. It is a precious statue surrounded on all sides by a wooden balustrade. People go there seeking an omen, which depends on their garlanding the image with flowers. If the flowers rest on the image, pilgrims believe, their innermost wishes will be answered. Xuanzang kneels and makes three prayers.
