Converting the Hu People into Buddhists

In Journey to the West, the story of “Lord Lao Zi Converting the Hu People into Buddhists” stems from historical debates between Taoism and Buddhism. According to legend, Laozi (Lao-Tzu), revered as an incarnation of Taishang Laojun (the Supreme Elder Lord), rode westward on his blue ox, later giving rise to the claim that he taught the “barbarian” peoples, thereby founding Buddhism.

The Bodhisattva said, “Do you have any weapon?”

“I do, indeed,” said Laozi. He rolled up his sleeve and took down from his left arm an armlet, saying, “This is a weapon made of red steel, brought into existence during my preparation of elixir and fully charged with theurgical forces. It can be made to transform at will; indestructible by fire or water, it can entrap many things. It’s called the diamond cutter or the diamond snare. The year when I crossed the Hangu Pass, I depended on it a great deal for the conversion of the barbarians, for it was practically my bodyguard night and day. Let me throw it down and hit him.”

— Journey to the West, Chapter 6

Context in Journey to the West

• This narrative is used mockingly in the novel to critique Buddhism’s perceived inferiority to Taoism.
• Taishang Laojun’s actions in the story highlight his elevated status as Taoism’s foundational figure while satirizing Buddhist origins as derivative.
• It reflects the religious pluralism and cultural syncretism of ancient China, where Taoist, Buddhist, and Confucian ideas often intertwined.

Historical Reality

The actual origins and development of Buddhism are unrelated to Taishang Laojun. Buddhism emerged in India through Siddhartha Gautama’s teachings and spread to China via the Silk Road, evolving through cross-cultural exchanges. The novel’s fictionalized account underscores Ming-era tensions between religious traditions, repurposing mythology to assert Taoist supremacy.

The tale mirrors the competitive yet interdependent relationship between Taoism and Buddhism in Chinese history and the Taoism’s cultural dominance in the Ming Dynasty.