Once upon a time, Tang Seng and his disciples were using their magical powers to block the monks of the Bu Jin Temple. When the monks saw the black wind howling past but did not see their figures, they thought it was the arrival of a living Buddha and quickly bowed their heads and returned. The time of their journey westward was just at the end of spring and the beginning of summer; the weather was refreshing, and the lotus flowers in the pond were in full bloom. The plum blossoms were ripening after the rain, the wheat swayed in the wind, the fragrance of grass filled the air, petals fell like rain, the yellow orioles sang softly on the willow branches, and the river swallows played by the water with their chicks, while the mountain chickens called incessantly in the hills. The sun was shining brightly, everything was coming back to life, truly a beautiful day.
On this journey, they had been traveling for half a month, and ahead appeared a city wall. Tang Seng curiously asked, "Disciple, what place is this?" The Monkey King looked confused and replied, "I don’t know, I don’t know." Zhu Bajie couldn't help but laugh, saying, "You've walked this road before, how could you not know? Are you trying to tease us?" The Monkey King pouted, "This fool really doesn’t understand! Although I have walked this road, I was in the clouds then, coming and going on a cloud; how could I have truly landed here? This has nothing to do with me, so why bother to find out?"
Just as they were talking, they had already reached the edge of the city. Tang Seng dismounted, crossed the suspension bridge, and walked straight into the city. On the long street, he saw two old men chatting idly. Tang Seng called out, "Disciples, stand in the middle of the street, bow your heads, don’t be reckless, let me ask for directions." The Monkey King and the others obediently stood still, and Tang Seng stepped forward with his palms together and said, "Old benefactor, I come to inquire."
The two old men were discussing the rise and fall of fortunes when they suddenly heard the inquiry and quickly responded, "What does the elder have to say?" Tang Seng said, "I am a monk from afar here to pay my respects to the Buddha. I just arrived and do not know what place this is or where I can find a kind family to share a meal." The old man replied, "This is the Tongtai Prefecture, and behind it is the Dilin County. If the elder wishes to eat, there is no need to solicit; beyond this archway, on the north-south street, there is a tiger-gate tower, which is the home of Mr. Kou. There is a sign in front that says 'No obstruction for ten thousand monks.' Monks like you from afar can enjoy freely. Go quickly, don’t interrupt our conversation."
Tang Seng thanked them and turned to the Monkey King, saying, "This is the Dilin County of Tongtai Prefecture. The two old men said that beyond the archway, on the north-south street, there is a tiger-gate tower, which is Mr. Kou's home, and there is a sign that says 'No obstruction for ten thousand monks,' telling me to go there to eat." Sha Seng echoed, "The west is the land of Buddhism; there must be food to eat. Since this is a prefecture and county, there’s no need to check any documents; let’s go and share a meal." Tang Seng and the three slowly walked along the long street, while the surrounding people looked on in fear and curiosity.
Tang Seng admonished, "Be quiet, don’t be reckless!" So the three indeed lowered their heads and did not dare to raise their eyes. Turning a corner, they indeed saw a wide street running north and south. As they walked, they saw a tiger-gate tower, and on the wall inside the gate hung a large sign that read "No obstruction for ten thousand monks." Tang Seng sighed, "In the western Buddhist land, there are no deceptions among the wise and the foolish. I didn’t believe what the two old men said, but now it seems to be true." Upon hearing this, Bajie was eager to enter. But the Monkey King said, "Fool, wait for someone to come out and ask about the situation before we go in; it’s not too late." Sha Seng agreed, "Big brother is right; we should avoid confusion and trouble for the benefactor." So they rested their horses and luggage at the gate.
At that moment, suddenly an old man with white hair ran out, holding a scale and a basket. Upon seeing Tang Seng and the others, he was so startled that he dropped what he was holding and hurried back to report, "Master! Four strange monks have come outside!" The gentleman happened to be walking in the courtyard, muttering to himself. Upon hearing this, he immediately dropped his cane and rushed out to greet them. Seeing Tang Seng and the others, he showed no embarrassment and warmly welcomed them, "Please come in, please come in!"
Tang Seng humbly followed everyone into the courtyard. The gentleman led the way, turning down an alley and bringing them to a house, introducing, "This is the Buddhist hall, scripture hall, and dining hall specifically for receiving you gentlemen, and the lower area is where my disciples live." Tang Seng praised repeatedly upon hearing this, then took off his cassock, put it on to worship the Buddha, and upon entering the hall, he exclaimed, "Wow! The scene is truly breathtaking: fragrant smoke swirling, candlelight flickering, the hall filled with vibrant flowers, and golden light shimmering all around."
On a crimson shelf hung a purple-gold bell, and colorful lanterns were symmetrically paired with flower-patterned drums. Several pairs of embroidered banners depicting the Eight Treasures swayed, and thousands of golden Buddha statues gleamed brightly. Ancient bronze incense burners and vases, lacquered tables and boxes, filled the air with the rich fragrance of sandalwood from the bronze furnace, while lotuses often bloomed in the bronze vases. On the lacquered table, clouds swirled, and fragrant petals piled up in the lacquered box. Clear water filled the glass lamp, and the oil under the lapis lazuli lamp shone brightly. The sound of a golden bell rang out, truly refreshing and uplifting, making it feel like a fairyland beyond the mundane world.
Tang Seng washed his hands, lit incense, bowed his head in worship, and turned around to greet the gentleman. However, the gentleman said, "Wait! Please come to the scripture hall to meet." Upon entering the scripture hall, they saw a square platform with shelves piled high with countless scriptures; inside jade boxes and golden cases were preserved many ancient texts. On a colorful lacquered table, there were paper, ink, brushes, and inkstones, all exquisite writing tools; in front of a pepper-screen were books, paintings, musical instruments, and chess, all delightful curiosities.
A light jade bell adorned with gold hung there, its refreshing aura invigorating, making one feel spiritually uplifted and relaxed. Just as Tang Seng intended to bow, the gentleman quickly supported him, saying, "Please remove your monk's robe." Tang Seng took off his cassock, and only then did he meet the gentleman, who also introduced him to the Monkey King and the others. The gentleman even specially arranged for the horses to be fed and the luggage to be placed in the corridor before inquiring about their journey.
Tang Seng said, "I am an envoy from the Tang Dynasty in the East, here to pay my respects to the Buddha and seek the true scriptures. I heard that you honor monks, so I specially came to visit and ask for a meal." The gentleman's face lit up with joy as he smiled and said, "My name is Kou Hong, styled Da Kuan, I am sixty-four years old. Since I was forty, I have been hosting countless monks, and today it has finally come to fruition. I have been serving meals for twenty-four years, and I still have a record of the monks I have hosted. Recently, I wanted to calculate the names of the monks I have served, and it turns out I have hosted nine thousand nine hundred ninety-six, just four short of the total. Today, it just happens that four esteemed teachers have arrived, so you must stay and reside for a month. Once I complete this, I will send a sedan and horses to take you up the mountain. It’s only eight hundred miles to Ling Mountain; it’s really not far." Upon hearing this, Tang Seng was very pleased and immediately agreed without further ado.
At this time, several of the gentleman's servants were busy bringing firewood and water into the house, fetching rice, flour, and vegetables to prepare the meal. Suddenly, the gentleman's mother curiously asked, "Whose monks are these? Why are they in such a hurry?" The servants replied, "Four esteemed monks just arrived. Father asked about their origins, and they said they were sent by the emperor of the Tang Dynasty to pay respects to the Buddha at Ling Mountain, but they don’t know how far they’ve traveled. Father said this is a heavenly arrival and instructed us to quickly prepare a meal for them." Hearing this, the old woman was delighted and immediately called for a maid, saying, "Quick, find me some clothes; I want to go see!" The servants replied, "Grandmother, only one can be seen; the other three cannot, as they look terribly ugly." The old woman retorted, "You don’t understand; those who look strange and unique must be celestial beings descended to earth. Hurry and tell your father!"
A servant ran to the scripture hall to inform the gentleman, "Grandmother has come to pay respects to the esteemed teachers from the East." Upon hearing this, Tang Seng immediately stood up. Before long, the old woman arrived at the hall, and upon seeing Tang Seng's handsome appearance and imposing stature, she turned to see that the three disciples also looked extraordinary. Although she knew they were celestial beings, she still felt a bit scared and knelt down to pay her respects. Tang Seng hurriedly returned the gesture, saying, "You honor me with your reverence, Bodhisattva." The old woman asked the gentleman, "Why aren’t the four masters sitting together?" At this moment, Bajie piped up, "The three of us are disciples!" This remark came out like a tiger's roar in the mountains, startling the old woman nearly to the point of falling over.
Just then, another servant came to report, "Two young gentlemen have also arrived." Tang Seng quickly turned around to see that they were two young scholars. The scholars approached the scripture hall and bowed to Tang Seng, who hurriedly returned the gesture. The gentleman stepped forward to explain, "These are my two sons, Kou Liang and Kou Dong. They just returned from their studies in the study room and came to pay respects upon hearing that the teacher had arrived." Upon hearing this, Tang Seng was very pleased and said, "Well done! Well done! Indeed, to have a high status, one must do good deeds and ensure that one’s descendants study well."
Two scholars curiously asked, "Where does this gentleman come from?" The gentleman smiled and replied, "I come from afar, a special envoy sent by the emperor of the Tang Dynasty in the southern Zhanbu continent, here to pay respects to the Buddha and seek scriptures." The scholar said, "I read in 'Shilin Guangji' that there are only four great continents in the world. We are in the Western Niuhe Continent, and there's also the Eastern Shengshen Continent. I wonder how many ages it took for someone from the Southern Zhanbu continent to reach here?" The monk smiled and said, "I spent more time delaying on the road than traveling. I often encountered poisonous demons and fierce monsters, experiencing countless hardships. Fortunately, my three disciples protected me, and after enduring fourteen years of seasons, I finally arrived here."
At that moment, a little fellow came to invite them, saying, "The vegetarian feast is ready. Please come in." The gentleman asked his mother and son to move to another room while he accompanied the four guests into the dining hall. The hall was neatly arranged, with gold-painted tables and black lacquered chairs. In front were five colorful high fruits, all freshly made by skilled craftsmen. The second row had five plates of small dishes, the third row had five plates of fruits, and the fourth row had five large plates of snacks, all fragrant and delicious, truly mouth-watering.
At this time, Zhu Bajie was gobbling down the food like a whirlwind, and the four of them enjoyed a sumptuous meal. After finishing, the monk stood up to thank the gentleman and prepared to leave. However, the gentleman stopped him, saying, "Master, please stay for a few days. As the saying goes, starting is easy, but finishing is hard. Once I complete the ceremony, I will send you off." Seeing his sincerity, the monk had no choice but to stay.
After five or seven days, the gentleman finally invited twenty-four local monks to hold the ceremony. The monks worked hard for three or four days, selecting an auspicious time to start the Buddhist rites. The scene was truly lively: large banners were raised, golden decorations were laid out, candles were lit, incense was burned, drums were beaten, and flutes were played. The sound of gongs and flutes filled the air, creating a magnificent atmosphere.
After some time of chanting, everyone recited the scriptures together, first settling the land, then inviting the deities, issuing documents, worshipping the Buddha statues, and reciting the "Peacock Sutra," with each line dispelling disasters and difficulties. They lit the Medicine Buddha lamp, which shone brightly, and performed water repentance to resolve grievances, reciting the "Flower Adornment Sutra" to eliminate rumors.
These three vehicles of profound teachings were truly diligent; all the monks were the same. After three days and nights of busy work, the ceremony was finally completed. The monk thought of the Thunder Sound Temple in the west and felt anxious to depart, so he bid farewell.
The gentleman, looking troubled, said, "Master, your farewell is too hasty. I believe you have been busy with Buddhist affairs for several days and may feel uneasy, thinking something is wrong at my home." The monk immediately responded, "How could I dare! Disturbing your residence is truly a sin! I just remember that when the holy ruler sent me out of the pass, he asked when I would return. I mistakenly said three years, but unexpectedly, I delayed for fourteen years on the road! I still don’t know the outcome of my quest for scriptures, and returning will take another twelve or thirteen years. Wouldn’t that be against the holy decree? I cannot bear such a sin! Therefore, I hope the gentleman will allow me to leave first, and after I obtain the scriptures, I will return to stay longer. Wouldn’t that be better?"
At this time, Bajie couldn't help but interject, "Master, you really lack compassion! The gentleman is so wealthy and willing to prepare a vegetarian meal for us, yet you refuse to stay. Do you intend to beg elsewhere? There are still your lord and lady's family ahead!" Upon hearing this, the monk became furious and shouted, "You fool! You only know how to eat and don’t understand the cause and effect of returning! You are simply a beast that eats without thought! If you are so greedy for these things, I will go by myself tomorrow!" Seeing the master angry, the Traveler immediately grabbed Bajie and gave him a beating, scolding, "You idiot, you really don’t know what’s good for you, causing our master to be angry and dragging us down with you!" Sha Seng, standing nearby, laughed and said, "Well done! This fool deserves a lesson; he really talks too much!"
Seeing that the master and disciples were all upset, the gentleman quickly smiled and said, "Master, please don’t be angry. Just be a little tolerant today, and tomorrow I will prepare some banners and drums and invite neighbors and relatives to send you off." Just then, the old woman came out again and said, "Master, since you have come, please don’t be polite. Stay a few more days." The monk replied, "It has already been half a month." The old woman said, "This half month counts as my gentleman's merit; I am also willing to offer you a vegetarian meal for half a month."
At this time, the Kou Dong brothers came out again, saying, "Four gentlemen, my father has been offering meals to monks for over twenty years and has never encountered such good people as you. Today, it is finally fulfilled, and the four masters have arrived, truly bringing glory to our humble abode! I am young and don’t understand cause and effect; I only heard that one reaps what one sows. My parents wish to offer something, seeking their own causes and effects, so why refuse? I also want to support the old gentleman for half a month as a farewell." The monk said, "I truly cannot accept the old Bodhisattva’s kindness, and how can I accept your brother's generosity? I must set off today; please don’t take offense. Otherwise, I will face the holy ruler's limits, which I cannot bear."
The old woman and her two sons saw that he was determined to leave and felt unhappy: “We kindly want to keep you, yet you are so stubborn. If you want to go, then go! Why say more!” After saying this, the three of them turned and went inside. Bajie couldn’t help but say to Tang Seng, “Master, don’t be too much! As the saying goes, 'If you stay, you’ll be welcome; if you leave, you’ll be blamed.' Why not just stay a month and fulfill their wishes? No need to be in such a hurry!” Tang Seng shouted in anger, and Bajie slapped himself twice, muttering, “Bah! Bah! Bah! I’ll say less!” The Traveler and Sha Seng secretly laughed nearby.
Tang Seng glared at the Traveler and asked, “What are you laughing at?” The Traveler immediately panicked, kneeling down and saying, “Master, I wasn’t laughing! I absolutely wasn’t! Please don’t chant the Tight-Fitting Spell!” The gentleman, seeing the tension among the master and disciples, quickly said, “Master, no need to argue. Tomorrow morning, I will send you off.” After saying this, he left the scripture hall and immediately instructed his secretary to write over a hundred invitations, inviting neighbors and relatives to prepare for the grand ceremony to send the Tang Dynasty master westward the next day. At the same time, he also asked the kitchen to prepare a lavish feast, arrange colorful flags and a band, and even invite monks and Daoists, truly busying himself.
As evening approached, everyone had their evening meal and returned to rest. At night, the streets were quiet, with only a few crows calling, the moonlight casting on the ground, and a gentle breeze swaying the flowers. But by dawn, all the household servants were up early, busy purchasing various items. Look at the chefs in the kitchen, busy as can be; the arrangement of colorful flags was noisy, the monks and Daoists were running around, and the band was hurriedly preparing. The messengers delivering invitations were also rushing about, and those preparing the sedan and horses were in a flurry. Everyone worked until dawn, finally getting everything ready; it was truly nice to have money!
Meanwhile, Tang Seng and his disciples woke up early, preparing to depart. The elder instructed everyone to pack their belongings and prepare the horses. When Bajie heard they were leaving, he grumbled, busy packing his things and finding someone to help carry the luggage. Sha Seng was brushing the horse, putting on the saddle and bridle. The Traveler handed the nine-ring staff to the master while hanging the travel documents around his neck, ready to set off together.
The gentleman invited them to the back hall, which was even more splendid than the dining hall. The hall was adorned with curtains, surrounded by screens, and in the center hung a painting of longevity and prosperity. On the walls were paintings depicting the four seasons. Incense wafted from a fragrant cauldron, and auspicious vapors rose from the furnace. The table was filled with delicious dishes, fruit wines, and fragrant teas; although it was a common household, it rivaled a banquet of nobles.
Just as Tang Seng and the gentleman were exchanging greetings, a servant came to report, “The guests have all arrived!” Neighbors, relatives, and friends all bowed to the elder, and after the greetings, they took their seats. In the hall, the sound of guzheng and sheng filled the air, and the atmosphere was lively. Bajie said to Sha Seng, “Brother, come on, let’s eat our fill! Once we leave the Kou family, there won’t be such a lavish meal!” Sha Seng smiled and replied, “Second Brother, with so many delicacies, it’s enough to eat well; there’s no need to overindulge!” Bajie pouted, “Your words are too dull! If I eat enough this meal, I won’t be hungry for three days.” The Traveler heard this and quickly reminded, “You fool, don’t overeat! We still have to travel!”
That day, at noon, Tang Seng raised his chopsticks and began to recite the vegetarian sutra. Bajie panicked upon seeing this, hurriedly bringing bowls of food and stuffing five or six bowls into his sleeves with buns, rolls, pancakes, and roasted fruits, before finally standing up with the master. Tang Seng thanked the gentleman and the guests, and everyone exited together. Outside, colorful flags fluttered, and the sound of drums and music was deafening, truly a lively scene.
At that moment, the monks and Daoists also arrived. The gentleman smiled and said, “You all came late; the master is in a hurry to leave and has no time to serve a meal. We’ll talk about it when he returns.” Everyone made way, with those carrying the sedan, riding horses, and walking, all letting Tang Seng go first. The sound of drums and music was thunderous, the flags blocking the sunlight, and people gathered together to see the gentleman send off Tang Seng, creating an extraordinarily lively scene, even more splendid than surrounded by jewels!
They walked all the way to the ten-mile long pavilion, where the gentleman prepared food and drink for everyone to toast and bid farewell. With tears in his eyes, he reluctantly said, “Master, when you return from your journey for scriptures, you must stay at my home for a few days to fulfill my wishes.” Tang Seng was deeply moved and repeatedly expressed his gratitude: “If I see the Buddha, I will definitely praise you. When I return, I will surely come to thank you!” After a short while, they walked another two or three miles, and the gentleman cried out loudly as he turned back. This was truly a case of “A monk returning from the temple with wishes unfulfilled, unable to see the Buddha in person.”
After sending them to the ten-mile long pavilion, the gentleman returned home. Meanwhile, Tang Seng and his three disciples walked forty to fifty miles as the sky began to darken. Tang Seng asked, “It’s getting late; where can we find a place to stay for the night?” Bajie, carrying his load, grumbled, “With ready meals not eaten and a cool house not occupied, we insist on walking. It’s just like being in mourning! What if it rains tonight?” Tang Seng, hearing this, became angry: “You wretched beast, complaining again! Although Chang'an is nice, it’s not a place to linger. Once we pay our respects to the Buddha and obtain the true scriptures, you can eat as much as you want when we return. You’re such a glutton!” Bajie, hearing this, secretly laughed and didn’t dare to speak further.
The Traveler looked up and saw a few houses by the roadside, quickly telling his master, “We can rest over there!” Tang Seng went over to take a look and found that it was a collapsed archway with four characters inscribed: “Hua Guang Xing Yuan.” Tang Seng dismounted and sighed, “Hua Guang Bodhisattva is a disciple of the Flame Five Light Buddha, who once defeated the Poison Fire King and was demoted to become one of the Five Manifesting Officials. There must be a temple keeper here.” So they all went inside but found that the corridor and rooms had collapsed, the walls were leaning, and there was no sign of anyone—only weeds were growing everywhere.
Just as they were about to leave, dark clouds suddenly gathered in the sky, and heavy rain poured down. With no other choice, they had to take shelter in this dilapidated building, finding a place to avoid the wind and rain. The night was dark and quiet, and no one dared to speak loudly, fearing discovery by demons. Thus, they sat and stood, enduring a long night, truly a case of “In the midst of great joy, one encounters sorrow.”
As dawn approached, how would the master and disciples continue their journey? We will tell you next time!
