In the novel Journey to the West, the origin story of Tang Sanzang (the Monk Tang) is a dramatic tale of love, violence, revenge, and ambition.
It claims his father, a top imperial examination scholar, married a noblewoman and was appointed a magistrate by the emperor. On his way to assume office, he was murdered by bandits, who abducted his wife. She later gave birth to Tang Sanzang. Since the bandit would probably kill him, his mother set him adrift on a river. The infant was rescued by an elderly monk and raised in a monastery. Years later, the monk reunited Tang Sanzang with his mother, who revealed the family tragedy. The young monk appealed to the emperor, leading to the bandits’ execution.
Did this story really happen in the history?
No—this plot is fictional. The real Tang Sanzang, born Chen Yi, had a far less sensational upbringing. His mother died when he was five, and his father, Chen Hui, a respected scholar, resigned from his magistrate post due to political disillusionment and dedicated himself to educating his children. Chen Hui died when Chen Yi was ten, leaving the family impoverished. At 12, Chen Yi entered the Pure Land Monastery as a novice monk, tasked with menial chores like scaring away crows.
Historical context: Monastic privileges
During the Sui Dynasty (581–618 CE), monks and nuns were exempt from taxes, military service, and labor duties. This attracted many seeking refuge from secular burdens, prompting the imperial government to restrict monastic ordination. In 612 CE, Emperor Yangdi decreed a selection of just 14 monks via examination, requiring candidates to be over 18. Chen Yi, then 12, was ineligible but boldly petitioned the chief examiner, Zheng Shanguo. Impressed by the boy’s determination, Zheng granted him an exception. Chen Yi passed the exam, was ordained as Xuanzang, and began his journey toward becoming one of history’s greatest Buddhist scholars.
Leave a Reply