In the novel Journey to the West, there is no explicit mention of the ages of Tang Sanzang (Tripitaka), Sun Wukong (Monkey King), Zhu Bajie (Pigsy), Sha Wujing (Sandy). However, we can estimate their ages based on certain details and time references throughout the story. Let’s focus on the main character –Tang Sanzang in this post.
How old is the Tang Monk?
In Chapter 93, during a conversation between Tang Sanzang and the abbot of Gold-Spreading Monastery, the Tang monk reveals his age:
Turning quickly, Tripitaka saw an old monk, a bamboo staff in his hand, who saluted him, saying, “Is this the master who has come from China?”
“I dare not accept such honor;” replied Tripitaka, returning his salutation, as the old monk began to compliment him effusively.
“What is the old master’s lofty age?” he asked.“I have passed my forty-fifth year in vain;” said Tripitaka, “and may I ask what is the honorable age of the old abbot?”
With a chuckle, the old monk said, “Rather fruitlessly I have exceeded the venerable master’s age by a sexagenary cycle.”
— Journey to the West, Chapter 93
At this point, Tang Sanzang has already arrived in India and is near Vulture Peak (the Spirit Mountain). He states that he is 45 years old at this time. And according to the final chapter, he returns to Chang’an, China in the year Zhenguan 27.
Then he called out: “Disciples, bring up the travel rescript and present it to our Lord.”
It was handed over immediately. Taizong took a look and realized that the document had been issued on the third day before the full moon, in the ninth month of the thirteenth year during the Zhenguan reign period.
Smiling, Taizong said, “We have caused you the trouble of taking a long journey. This is now the twenty-seventh year of the Zhenguan period!”
— Journey to the West, Chapter 100
Also, Tang Sanzang’s imperial travel document clearly states the departure date:
When he reaches the many nations of the West, it is our hope that they will not extinguish the goodly affinity and allow him to pass through because of this rescript. This is a necessary-to-be-sent document. An auspicious day in the autumn of the thirteenth year, in the Zhenguan period of the Great Tang. An imperial document.
— Journey to the West, Chapter 29
Journey Timeline Alignment
Key temporal markers from the text:
- Departure Date: The travel rescript states: “Issued on an auspicious autumn day of the 13th Year of Zhenguan” (Chapter 29).
- Return Date: Emperor Taizong declares: “It is now the 27th Year of Zhenguan” upon their return (Chapter 100).
- Thus, the pilgrimage spanned 14+ years (Zhenguan 13 to 27).
Age Calculation
Age at journey’s end (near Vulture Peak/Spirit Mountain): 45 years
Minus journey duration: 45 – 14 = 31 years old at departure
This confirms Sanzang was the youngest in the pilgrimage group.
The Zhenguan 13 Anchor
This pivotal year (639 CE historically) featured:
- Guanyin’s arrival in Chang’an
- Execution of Jing River Dragon King
- Emperor Taizong’s Underworld journey
- Grand Water-Land Dharma Assembly
Post-Enlightenment Transformation
After receiving scriptures at Vulture Peak, Sanzang transcended mortality, returning to Chang’an via cloud-flight in minimal time—explaining the rapid return despite the 14-year outward journey.
Leave a Reply