In the thirteenth year of the Zhenguan era, which corresponds to the year of Jisi, on the auspicious day of the third day of the ninth month, the great Dharma Master Chen Xuanzang convened an assembly of 1,200 eminent monks at the Huasheng Temple in Chang'an City to deliver a grand lecture on Buddhist scriptures. That day, the Emperor, having just concluded the morning court session, led his civil and military officials in a splendid procession from the Jinluan Hall, heading straight to Huasheng Temple to offer incense. The spectacle was truly magnificent: the sky was filled with swirling auspicious clouds and radiant beams of light. A gentle breeze blew, and the sun shone brightly.
The officials' ornaments swayed to and fro, and the banners of the Five Guards fluttered on either side. Guards holding golden melons and axes stood in pairs; red silk lanterns and imperial incense burners were arranged in a dignified manner. Dragons soared and phoenixes danced, eagles glided and falcons soared. The Emperor was wise and the ministers loyal. The blessings surpassed those of Shun and Yu, and the peaceful era outshone that of Yao and Tang. Then there were the curved-handle parasols and dragon robes, dazzling in their brilliance; jade rings and colorful phoenix fans, exuding auspiciousness. Bejeweled crowns and jade belts, purple sashes, and golden seals. Thousands of troops escorted the procession, with generals lined up neatly on both sides. The Emperor, with a purified heart, devoutly worshipped the Buddha, joyfully offering incense. The imperial entourage had already arrived at the temple, where the Emperor ordered the music and instruments to cease, personally disembarked, and led the officials in worshipping the Buddha and offering incense. After three bows, he looked around and indeed found it to be a grand Dharma assembly, witnessing: banners fluttering and treasure canopies shining. The banners swayed in the air like colorful clouds dancing in the sky; the canopies gleamed in the sunlight like red lightning piercing the heavens. The Buddha statues shimmered with golden light, and the arhats bore solemn expressions. Celestial flowers were placed in vases, and sandalwood incense burned in the burners.
The celestial flowers in the vases spread like brocade trees adorning the temple; the sandalwood incense in the burners wafted fragrant clouds straight into the sky. Fresh fruits piled high on red trays, various pastries filled the colorful tables. The eminent monks were neatly arranged, reciting the true scriptures, praying for the liberation of lonely souls from suffering. Emperor Taizong and the civil and military officials all offered incense and worshipped the Buddha, paying homage to the golden statue of the Buddha and the arhats. The great Dharma Master Chen Xuanzang led the monks in greeting Emperor Taizong. After the ceremony, everyone returned to their meditation seats, and the Dharma Master presented the document for the liberation of lonely souls to Taizong for review. The document read: "The supreme virtue is profound and elusive, the Zen school is tranquil and extinguished. Pure and spiritually aware, pervading the three realms. Transforming endlessly, governing yin and yang. The essence and function are truly constant, boundless and infinite. Observing those lonely souls, they are deeply deserving of compassion. This is in compliance with the holy mandate of Taizong: selecting and gathering monks to meditate and expound the Dharma. Opening wide the gates of expedient means, widely navigating the ship of compassion, universally saving beings from the sea of suffering, freeing them from the six paths of affliction. Guiding them back to the true path, enjoying the primordial chaos; moving and still, without attachment, merging into pure simplicity. Relying on this good cause, inviting reward in the pure capital and crimson palace; riding on our grand assembly, escaping the mundane cage of hell. Early ascending to the ultimate bliss, roaming freely, coming and going in the Western Paradise at will." The accompanying verse read: "An eternal incense of longevity, several scrolls of transcendence. Boundless wondrous Dharma proclaimed, limitless heavenly grace showered. All grievances and debts eliminated, all lonely souls released from prison. May it protect our nation, bringing peace and prosperity for ten thousand years." Taizong was greatly pleased upon reading it and said to the monks, "You must maintain a sincere heart and not neglect the Buddhist affairs. Once the merits are complete, each of you will receive blessings, and I will surely reward you generously, ensuring that your efforts are not in vain." The 1,200 monks all bowed in gratitude.
After the three rounds of fasting that day, Emperor Taizong returned to the palace. When the seven-day grand assembly commenced, he would again be invited to offer incense. As night fell, the officials gradually departed. Observe that beautiful night: the vast sky was gently illuminated, and a few returning crows slowly settled down to rest. The city lights and sounds gradually quieted, marking the moment for the Zen monks to enter meditation. The night scene was truly enchanting.
The following morning, the Dharma Master ascended the seat once more, gathering everyone to recite the scriptures.
In the story, Guanyin Bodhisattva of Mount Putuo in the South Sea, following the decree of the Buddha, was searching for a virtuous person in Chang'an City to undertake the journey to fetch the scriptures. For a long time, she was unable to find someone truly worthy. Suddenly, she heard that Emperor Taizong was promoting good deeds, selecting eminent monks, and organizing a grand assembly. Observing that the host of the assembly was none other than the monk Jiangliu'er, who was a Buddha child descended from the Western Paradise and the very elder she had sent to be reincarnated, Guanyin was overjoyed. She then brought the treasures bestowed by the Buddha to the streets of Chang'an, selling them with Moksha. You might ask, what treasures? They included a brocade kasaya of unique beauty, a nine-ringed monk's staff, and three golden circlets, which were kept hidden for future use, only displaying the kasaya and staff for sale.
In Chang'an, there were some unselected foolish monks who had a few strings of village currency. When they saw Guanyin disguised as a leprous beggar, wearing tattered clothes, barefoot and bald, holding a dazzling kasaya, they approached and asked, "Leper monk, how much are you selling your kasaya for?" Guanyin replied, "The kasaya is worth 5,000 taels, and the staff is worth 2,000 taels." The foolish monks laughed and said, "These two leper monks must be crazy! Asking 7,000 taels of silver for these coarse items? Unless wearing them grants immortality and makes one a Buddha, they're not worth that price! Take them away! They're unsellable!" Guanyin did not argue and continued walking with Moksha.
After walking for a while, they arrived in front of the Donghua Gate, just as Chancellor Xiao Yu was leaving court. The crowd made way for him. Guanyin, undeterred, walked directly toward the chancellor, holding the kasaya. The chancellor reined in his horse to take a closer look, captivated by the kasaya's brilliance. He instructed his attendants to inquire about the price. Guanyin replied, "The kasaya is 5,000 taels, and the staff is 2,000 taels." Xiao Yu asked, "What is so special about them to warrant such a high price?" Guanyin responded, "The kasaya has its benefits and drawbacks; there are situations where money is required and others where it is not."
Xiao Yu asked, "What are the benefits and drawbacks?" Guanyin answered, "Wearing my kasaya ensures one will not fall into hell or face malicious calamities, nor encounter dens of tigers and wolves—these are its benefits. However, for foolish monks who indulge in lust and joy, who do not observe fasting, and who slander the scriptures and the Buddha, it is difficult for them to even see my kasaya—these are the drawbacks."
Guanyin smiled gently and continued, "The distinction between requiring money and not requiring money lies here: If someone does not follow Buddhist teachings, does not respect the Three Jewels, and insists on buying this kasaya and staff, then they must pay 7,000 taels of silver—this is when money is required. However, if someone respects the Three Jewels, rejoices in goodness, takes refuge in Buddhism, and can bear this blessing, I am willing to give the kasaya and staff to them freely, forming a good karmic bond—this is when money is not required." Xiao Yu, delighted to have encountered such virtuous individuals, quickly dismounted and respectfully addressed Guanyin, "Great Dharma Elder, please forgive my rudeness. Our Emperor of the Tang Dynasty greatly values virtuous conduct, and all the officials follow his lead. There is currently a grand water and land assembly being organized, and this kasaya would be perfect for the great Dharma Master Chen Xuanzang to wear. I invite you to accompany me to the court to meet His Majesty."
Guanyin gladly agreed and followed Xiao Yu through the Donghua Gate. The palace officials promptly reported their arrival, and the Emperor summoned them to the palace hall. There, Xiao Yu stood with the two leprous monks at the foot of the steps, and Emperor Taizong inquired, "Xiao Yu, what brings you here to report?" Xiao Yu bowed low before the steps and replied, "Your Majesty, I encountered these two monks at the Donghua Gate, selling a kasaya and a staff. I thought the kasaya would be suitable for Dharma Master Xuanzang, so I brought them to see Your Majesty." Taizong was very pleased upon hearing this and asked about the price of the kasaya. Guanyin and Moksha, standing below the steps, did not bow and answered, "The kasaya is 5,000 taels, and the staff is 2,000 taels."
Taizong asked, "What are the benefits of this kasaya that it commands such a price?" Guanyin explained, "This kasaya, when draped over a dragon, can avert the disaster of being devoured by a great roc; when worn by a crane, it can transcend the ordinary and enter the sacred. When seated, it commands the worship of myriad deities; when in motion, it is accompanied by seven Buddhas. This kasaya is made of ice silkworm threads, meticulously woven by skilled craftsmen. It was spun by celestial maidens and completed on divine looms. Each piece of fabric is embroidered with patterns, vivid in color and radiant in light. When worn, it envelops the wearer in a mist of red; when removed, it sends colorful clouds dancing. Its mysterious light penetrates beyond the three celestial gates, and its aura of treasure springs forth before the Five Sacred Mountains. Its four corners are adorned with luminous pearls, and at the top is an emerald. Though its true form cannot be fully displayed, it is surrounded by the radiance of eight treasures. This kasaya is usually folded and kept, to be worn only by a sage. It is adorned with wish-fulfilling pearls, mani pearls, dust-repelling pearls, wind-stilling pearls, as well as red agate, purple coral, luminous pearls, and relics. Its brilliance rivals the sun and moon, enveloped in celestial aura, embraced by auspicious light. It illuminates mountains and rivers, startles tigers and leopards; its reflection touches sea islands, stirring fish and dragons. Its edges are fastened with golden locks, and the collar is linked with white jade rings." A poem says: "The Three Jewels, revered and profound, judge all beings in the four births and six realms. Understanding the mind, nurturing the human and heavenly law, seeing nature, transmitting the lamp of wisdom. Adorning the body, dignifying the golden world, with a pure heart like ice in a jade vessel. Since the Buddha ordained the kasaya, who dares to sever monks in ten thousand kalpas?"
Upon hearing these words in the treasure hall, Emperor Taizong was very pleased and asked, "Monk, what are the benefits of this nine-ringed staff?" Guanyin replied, "This staff is made of copper inlaid with iron, forming nine connected rings, and its nine sections are made of celestial vine, eternally preserving its appearance. When held, it feels as light as a green bone, and when descending the mountain, it lightly carries white clouds. It can travel with the five patriarchs to the heavenly palace and break through earthly barriers with ease. It does not collect a speck of worldly dust and joyfully accompanies divine monks to the Jade Mountain."
After hearing this, Emperor Taizong immediately ordered the kasaya to be unfolded and examined it from top to bottom. Indeed, it was a fine item. He said, "Great Dharma Elder, to be honest, I am currently promoting virtuous teachings and cultivating fields of blessings. I have gathered many monks at the Huasheng Temple to preach the Dharma. Among them is a very virtuous Dharma Master named Xuanzang. I wish to purchase these two treasures from you for his use. How much do you want for them?" Upon hearing this, Guanyin and Moksha clasped their hands together in a gesture of reverence, recited a Buddhist chant, and humbly said, "If there is virtue, I am willing to give them to him without asking for any money." With that, they turned to leave.
Emperor Taizong quickly had Xiao Yu stop them and, standing at the hall, asked, "Earlier, you said the kasaya was 5,000 taels and the staff 2,000 taels. Now that I wish to buy them, you say there's no charge. Are you suggesting that I am using my royal position to take your items by force? That won't do. I will pay according to your original price, and you must not refuse." Guanyin raised her hand and said, "I have a prior vow: if someone respects the Three Jewels, rejoices in goodness, and takes refuge in Buddhism, I am willing to give these to them without charge. Now, seeing Your Majesty's virtuous conduct and respect for Buddhism, along with having a high monk to promote the great Dharma, it is only right to present them to you without charge. I wish to leave these items and take my leave."
Emperor Taizong, seeing her sincerity, was very pleased and ordered a grand vegetarian banquet at the Guanglu Temple to express his gratitude. However, Guanyin firmly declined the offer and left contentedly, continuing to reside in seclusion at the city’s Earth God Temple without further mention.
Meanwhile, Emperor Taizong, after the noon court session, sent Wei Zheng to summon Dharma Master Xuanzang to the palace. At that time, Xuanzang was leading a group in a sermon on the platform. Upon hearing the imperial edict, he promptly descended the platform, tidied his robes, and followed Wei Zheng to meet the Emperor.
Taizong said to Xuanzang, "You've worked hard for the promotion of virtuous deeds, and I don't have much to offer in gratitude. This morning, Xiao Yu encountered two monks who wish to gift you a brocade kasaya of unique beauty and a nine-ringed staff. I've summoned you today to receive them." Xuanzang quickly bowed in thanks. Taizong continued, "If you don't mind, could you put on the kasaya for me to see?"
Xuanzang then unfolded the kasaya, draped it over himself, and stood before the steps holding the staff. The ministers were all astonished and delighted. Truly, he was worthy of being called a Buddha child. Look at him: majestic and graceful, the Buddhist robe fitting perfectly as if tailored for him. It radiated light, illuminating the heavens and earth, its vibrant colors seemingly encapsulating the entire universe. Pearls were arrayed up and down, gold threads ran through front and back, and the edges were adorned with brocade, covered in exquisite patterns.
Indeed, Xuanzang was fated to bear such treasures. He appeared like a living Arhat from the Western Paradise, surpassing even the true Bodhisattvas of the West. The staff jingled with the sound of the nine rings clashing, and the Pilu hat added to his grandeur. Truly, the reputation of the Buddha child was well-deserved, surpassing Bodhi beyond reproach. The civil and military officials cheered before the steps, and Taizong was elated. He immediately had Xuanzang wear the kasaya and hold the staff, sending two ceremonial teams and many officials to escort him out of the palace gates, allowing him to walk down the street like a champion scholar.
Xuanzang expressed his gratitude and walked down the street with majestic grace. In Chang'an City, merchants, nobles, scholars, and commoners alike vied to see and praise him, all saying, "What a remarkable Dharma Master! Truly a living Arhat descended to the mortal realm, a living Bodhisattva in the world." Xuanzang continued to the temple, where the monks greeted him with reverence. Upon seeing him in the kasaya and holding the staff, they all said that Kṣitigarbha had arrived, and each one took refuge, standing in attendance. Xuanzang ascended the altar, burned incense, worshipped the Buddha, and expressed his gratitude for the imperial grace to the assembly. Everyone then returned to their meditation seats. Before they knew it, the sun had set, marking the moment when: "The sun sets, shrouding trees and grass in mist; the imperial capital's bells and drums begin to sound. Three chimes mark the end of the day's activities, and silence falls before and behind the imperial presence. The temple is resplendent with lights, while the solitary village lies silent. Zen monks enter meditation, pondering over the remnants of the scriptures, perfect for refining the mind and nurturing the spirit."
Time flew by, and before long, the seventh day of the Grand Assembly had arrived. Xuanzang prepared a formal request and invited Emperor Taizong to offer incense. At this time, virtuous voices filled the world. Taizong immediately set out, leading his civil and military officials, consorts, and royal relatives, arriving early at the temple. The entire city of Chang'an, regardless of status or age, gathered at the temple to listen to the teachings.
Meanwhile, Guanyin Bodhisattva said to Moksha, "Today is the main day of the Water-Land Dharma Assembly. With one seven-day cycle following the forty-nine days, it is nearly complete. Let us blend into the crowd to observe how this assembly is conducted, see if Gold Cicada has the fortune to wear my treasures, and hear what scripture he is teaching." The two of them entered the temple. Indeed, it was a meeting of destiny across a thousand miles, with prajna wisdom returning to the original path.
As they entered the temple and observed, it truly was a grand kingdom, surpassing Shravasti, rivaling the Jetavana Grove, and not inferior to the upper shrines of the Sangha. Celestial music resonated, and Buddhist chants echoed. Guanyin walked to the side of the many-jeweled platform and indeed saw the wise visage of Gold Cicada. A poem describes: "All phenomena are clear without a speck of dust, the great assembly sees Xuanzang seated high. Wandering souls come from the darkness to listen, while noble listeners gather from the city. Giving according to conditions, the mind's path is far; arising at will, the Dharma gates open. Watching and listening to the infinite Dharma, young and old alike are filled with joy."
Another poem states: "In the Dharma hall of the universe, we meet familiar spirits, not of the mundane world. Speaking of myriad matters before us, discussing merits across eons. Dharma clouds stretch over mountains, the teaching net spreads across the sky. Reflecting on life, returning to good thoughts, as heavenly rain falls like red blossoms."
On the platform, the Dharma Master chanted from the "Sutra on Deliverance of the Deceased" for a while, discussed the "Heavenly Treasure Inscription for National Peace" for a while, and then proclaimed the "Scroll of Encouraging Cultivation of Merits." At this moment, Guanyin approached, patting the platform and loudly saying, "Monk, you only speak of the Lesser Vehicle teachings; can you discuss the Greater Vehicle?" Xuanzang was overjoyed upon hearing this, immediately jumping down from the platform, bowing to Guanyin, and saying, "Venerable Master, I apologize for my rudeness. Previously, the monks I listened to only spoke of the Lesser Vehicle teachings, and I am unaware of the Greater Vehicle teachings."
Guanyin said, "Your Lesser Vehicle teachings can only allow the deceased to blend with the mundane and light, but not transcend. I possess the Greater Vehicle Buddhist Tripitaka, which can enable the deceased to ascend to heaven, liberate those in suffering, cultivate an immeasurable lifespan, and achieve neither coming nor going."
As Xuanzang was enthusiastically preaching on the platform, an official responsible for patrolling the hall hurriedly reported to Emperor Taizong, "The Dharma Master is preaching profound teachings, yet two leprous itinerant monks have pulled him down, speaking nonsense." Upon hearing this, Taizong immediately ordered the two monks to be brought to him. Many people pushed and shoved the two monks to the rear Dharma hall. Upon seeing Taizong, the monk surprisingly did not raise his hand or bow, instead looking up and asking, "What does Your Majesty want with me?"
Recognizing the monk as the one who had given the kasaya, Taizong asked, "Are you the monk who gave the kasaya a few days ago?" Guanyin replied, "I am indeed." Taizong further asked, "Since you came here to listen to the teachings, you should partake in the vegetarian meal respectfully. Why argue with my Dharma Master, disrupt the Dharma hall, and delay the Buddhist services?"
Guanyin smiled slightly and said, "Your Dharma Master speaks of the Lesser Vehicle teachings, which cannot guide the deceased to ascend to heaven. I have the Greater Vehicle Buddhist Tripitaka, which can liberate the deceased from suffering and cultivate an indestructible body." Hearing this, Taizong became interested and earnestly asked, "Where is your Greater Vehicle Buddhist teaching?"
Guanyin answered, "At the Great Thunder Monastery in the Western Heaven of India, with my Buddha Tathagata, it can resolve all grievances and dispel unforeseen calamities." Taizong asked again, "Do you remember these teachings?"Guanyin confidently said, "I remember them." Taizong was overjoyed and immediately said, "Please, Dharma Master, ascend the platform and preach."
Thus, Guanyin, along with Moksha, ascended the high platform, treading on auspicious clouds, soaring to the nine heavens, revealing her true form, holding a pure vase and willow branch. To her left was Moksha Huian, wielding a staff, full of spirit.
This delighted Emperor Taizong immensely, who bowed to the heavens, and the civil and military officials also knelt, burning incense. All the monks, nuns, laypeople, scholars, and merchants in the temple prostrated themselves, exclaiming, "Good Bodhisattva! Good Bodhisattva!" The scene was truly magnificent, with auspicious mists and protective divine light. In the celestial sky, the Bodhisattva appeared in the form of a noble woman. The Bodhisattva wore a crown of golden leaves, adorned with emerald flowers, shimmering with golden light and pearl tassels; dressed in a light blue robe with golden dragons and colorful phoenixes embroidered on it; a fragrant pendant of moonlight and clear wind hung on her chest; around her waist was a brocade skirt woven from ice silkworm silk; she led a yellow-feathered, red-beaked white parrot; in her hand, she held a treasure vase with a willow branch, sprinkling clear skies and sweeping away lingering fog.
This spectacle made Emperor Taizong forget about his empire, and the civil and military officials were so astonished that they forgot their courtly manners.
At that moment, everyone was chanting "Namo Guanyin Bodhisattva," creating a lively scene. Emperor Taizong immediately issued an order for an artist to capture the true visage of the Bodhisattva. With a single command, the highly skilled Wu Daozi, who later painted portraits of meritorious officials in the Lingyan Pavilion, was chosen. Wu Daozi unfurled his exquisite brush and vividly captured the Bodhisattva's image.
As this was happening, the Bodhisattva's auspicious clouds gradually drifted away, and the golden light vanished. Suddenly, a scroll descended from mid-air, bearing a few verses clearly inscribed: "To the great Tang Emperor, there are wondrous texts in the West. The journey spans 108,000 miles, and the Greater Vehicle advances diligently. This scripture, if brought back, can transcend ghosts from their ranks. If any are willing to go, they will attain the true fruit and golden body." Upon reading these verses, Taizong immediately addressed the monks, saying, "Let's pause this Dharma assembly. We will continue to cultivate virtuous fruits once I send someone to retrieve the Greater Vehicle scriptures." All the officials complied without objection.
Then, Taizong asked in the temple, "Who is willing to accept my command to travel to the Western Heaven to seek the Buddha and scriptures?" As soon as he finished speaking, Dharma Master Xuanzang stepped forward, bowed to Taizong, and said, "This humble monk is willing to serve Your Majesty, journey to the Western Heaven, and bring back the true scriptures, praying for the eternal stability of the Tang dynasty." Hearing this, Taizong was overjoyed, assisting Xuanzang to stand, and said, "If you, Dharma Master, can fulfill this loyal and virtuous task, unafraid of the distant journey, crossing mountains and rivers, I would like to become sworn brothers with you." Xuanzang gratefully accepted.
Indeed, Emperor Taizong was virtuous and noble. He and Xuanzang performed four bows before the Buddha in the temple, bestowing upon Xuanzang the title "Imperial Brother, Holy Monk." Xuanzang was deeply grateful and said, "Your Majesty, what virtue or ability do I possess to receive such heavenly favor? I shall dedicate myself entirely to this journey to the Western Heaven. Should I fail to obtain the true scriptures, I would rather die on the road and fall into hell eternally." He then offered incense before the Buddha and made a solemn vow. Taizong, delighted, ordered everyone to return to the palace and choose an auspicious day for the departure.
Xuanzang returned to Hongfu Temple, where the monks and his disciples had already heard about his mission to retrieve the scriptures and came to see him, asking, "Is it true that you vowed to go to the Western Heaven?" Xuanzang replied, "It is true."
His disciples, concerned, said, "Master, we've heard that the journey to the Western Heaven is long, with many tigers, leopards, and demons along the way. We fear it may be a one-way trip, risking your life." Xuanzang resolutely replied, "I have made a great vow; I will not return without the true scriptures. Having received royal favor, I must remain loyal to the country. My journey ahead is uncertain, with unknown fortunes." He further instructed his disciples, "After I leave, whether it takes three years or five, if you see the pine branches at the temple gate pointing east, I will have returned; otherwise, I will not return." The disciples noted his words.
The next day, Taizong held court, gathered his civil and military officials, and prepared the travel documents for retrieving the scriptures, affixing the imperial seal. The Astronomical Bureau reported, "Today is an auspicious day for a long journey." Taizong was overjoyed. The Yellow Gate official announced, "The Imperial Brother, Dharma Master, awaits the decree outside the court gate." Xuanzang was then summoned to the hall. Taizong said to Xuanzang, "Imperial Brother, today is an auspicious day for departure. Here are the travel documents and a purple-gold alms bowl for collecting alms along the way. Choose two attendants and a good horse for the journey. You may set off now." Xuanzang was very pleased, expressed his gratitude, received the items, and prepared to depart.
Emperor Taizong, along with the officials, escorted him beyond the city gates, where the monks of Hongfu Temple and his disciples had already brought Xuanzang's belongings. Seeing this, Taizong first ordered the luggage and horses to be prepared, then had the officials pour wine. Taizong raised his cup and asked, "What is the honorable name of the Imperial Brother?" Xuanzang replied, "This humble monk is a renunciant and does not dare to claim a title." Taizong said, "The Bodhisattva mentioned that the Western Heaven holds the Tripitaka. Imperial Brother, you may take the name 'Tripitaka' after the scriptures. How does that sound?" Xuanzang thanked him again, took the ceremonial wine, and said, "Your Majesty, wine is the first precept for monks; this humble monk does not drink." Taizong laughed and said, "Today's journey is extraordinary. This is vegetarian wine; drink just this one cup to fulfill my farewell intention." Tripitaka dared not refuse, took the wine to drink, only to see Taizong pinch a bit of dust and flick it into the wine.
Tripitaka did not understand the gesture, and Taizong smiled, saying, "Imperial Brother, when you go to the Western Heaven, when will you return?" Tripitaka replied, "I will return to the kingdom in just three years." Taizong said, "With the passage of time and the distant mountains and roads, Imperial Brother, drink this wine: 'Better to cherish one pinch of native soil than love ten thousand taels of gold in foreign lands.'" Only then did Tripitaka understand the meaning of the dust, thanked him again, drank it all, and bid farewell beyond the pass. Taizong returned to his carriage. As for what will happen on Xuanzang's journey, we shall hear in the next installment.
