As previously discussed, the traditional Chinese concept of “Sworn Brotherhood of Eight Bows” and its representation in Journey to the West reflect deep cultural values of loyalty and kinship. Today, we delve into the historical account of Xuanzang’s sworn brotherhood with a king and its profound influence on the novel’s narrative.
In Journey to the West, Tang Sanzang (Xuanzang) vows to journey west for Buddhist scriptures. Emperor Taizong of Tang, moved by his devotion, symbolically adopts him as a sworn brother to legitimize the pilgrimage. This fictional bond becomes a narrative linchpin, blending imperial authority with spiritual mission.
Not one of the officials disagreed with the emperor, who then asked in the temple, “Who is willing to accept our commission to seek scriptures from Buddha in the Western Heaven?” Hardly had he finished speaking when the Master of the Law stepped from the side and saluted him, saying, “Though your poor monk has no talents, he is ready to perform the service of a dog and a horse. I shall seek these true scriptures on behalf of Your Majesty, that the empire of our king may be firm and everlasting.” Highly pleased, the Tang emperor went forward to raise up the monk with his royal hands, saying, “If the Master is willing to express his loyalty this way, undaunted by the great distance or by the journey over mountains and streams, we are willing to become bond brothers with you.” Xuanzang touched his forehead to the ground to express his gratitude. Being indeed a righteous man, the Tang emperor went at once before Buddha’s image in the temple and bowed to Xuanzang four times, addressing him as “our brother and holy monk.”
Deeply moved, Xuanzang said, “Your Majesty, what ability and what virtue does your poor monk possess that he should merit such affection from your Heavenly Grace? I shall not spare myself in this journey, but I shall proceed with all diligence until I reach the Western Heaven. If I do not attain my goal, or the true scriptures, I shall not return to our land even if I have to die.”
— Journey to the West, Chapter 12
Historical Reality vs. Literary Fiction
In History
The real Xuanzang (602–664 CE) faced stark opposition: Emperor Taizong initially banned his westward journey, fearing diplomatic fallout. Xuanzang’s true sworn brother was King Qu Wentai of Gaochang, a Central Asian kingdom. Though not on Xuanzang’s planned route, Gaochang’s king hosted him lavishly, begged him to stay as a spiritual advisor, and finally aided his journey after their sworn brotherhood.
In the Novel
The emperor’s sworn brotherhood with Xuanzang underscores the pilgrimage’s national importance, granting it divine and imperial sanction. Their bond exemplifies Confucian ideals of ruler-subject harmony and mutual duty.
The emperor’s fictional support contrasts with his historical obstruction, highlighting the novel’s theme: true faith transcends political barriers.
Symbolic Function in Journey to the West
By inventing the emperor’s endorsement, the novel elevates Xuanzang’s quest from personal devotion to a state-sanctioned mission, amplifies Tang Sanzang’s moral authority and the journey’s cosmic significance.
While Journey to the West bends history, its enduring power lies in such creative liberties—transforming a monk’s solitary quest into an epic of collective redemption, where even emperors bow to higher truths.
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