One day, Chan Master Danxia Tianran lay sprawled across the Tianjin Bridge in Luoyang City. When Governor Zheng Yuqing passed by during an official inspection, his guards demanded: “Why block the governor’s path?”
(more…)Tag: Tang Dynasty
-
Journey to the West – Episode 18 – Picture story
Time flew like an arrow. Over five centuries passed, and the mortal realm entered the Zhenguan era of the Tang Dynasty. Emperor Taizong decreed the selection of a eminent monk to expound Buddhist teachings. After careful deliberation, the court chose Master Xuanzang—a monk of profound virtue and unmatched mastery of scripture since childhood.
(more…) -
Pilgrimage to the Realm of Buddha
Over the past two months, we have explored the Chinese classic Journey to the West. Though a mythological narrative, it is rooted in historical events.
(more…) -
[Journey to the West] The Diviner – Yuan Shoucheng
In Journey to the West, gods and demons wield immense supernatural powers, while mortals are typically portrayed as frail and vulnerable. Yet, there are rare exceptions—figures like Liu Boqin, Wei Zheng, and Yuan Shoucheng.
(more…) -
Door Gods and Journey to the West
Since ancient times, Chinese folklore has upheld the tradition of pasting images of Door Gods on household gates during the Lunar New Year.
(more…) -
The Heart Sutra and Journey to the West
We all know that Journey to the West recounts the story of Master Xuanzang and his disciples traveling westward to seek Buddhist scriptures.
(more…) -
Crow’s Nest Chan Master and Heart Sutra in Journey to the West
In Journey to the West, Master Subodhi (Subhuti) and Zen Master Wu Chao stand out as two of the most enigmatic figures. Both characters make only brief appearances in the novel before vanishing without a trace. Despite their fleeting presence, they play pivotal roles in shaping the story’s progression and spiritual undertones.
(more…)