Chapter 8 of Journey to the West marks the beginning of the quest for Buddhist scriptures. The chapter opens with a poem, titled “Su Wu Man: Inquiring at the Zen Gate” (or “Su Wu Man: Ask at meditation-pass”). It was not composed by the author of Journey to the West but by Master Feng of the Yuan Dynasty.
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[Journey to the West]Ask at meditation-pass – the lyric Su Wu at Slow Pace
Chapter 8 of Journey to the West marks the beginning of the quest for Buddhist scriptures. The chapter opens with a poem expressing the arduous path to enlightenment: countless trials must be overcome to attain the highest state of Buddhism.
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[Journey to the West]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.
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[Journey to the West]The Supreme Formula of Celestial Immortal
In the novel Journey to the West, Sun Wukong, the Monkey King, learned several crucial skills and knowledge from his first master, Subhuti. Key highlights include:
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[Journey to the West]Monkey of the Mind
The journey of the Tang Monk and his disciples is, in essence, an inward pilgrimage. Buddhist and Taoist perspectives play a vital role in shaping this spiritual allegory.
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Versions and Alternative Titles of Journey to the West
Journey to the West (Xiyouji) is a literary masterpiece rooted in the historical pilgrimage of the Tang Dynasty monk Xuanzang (602–664 CE) to India in search of Buddhist scriptures. Over centuries of layered cultural creation, it absorbed diverse influences—myths, folklore, religious teachings, and performative arts—to evolve into a literary classic blending adventurous storytelling with philosophical depth.
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