Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature
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In Journey to the West, Venerable Crow’s Nest (Wuchao Chan Master) is a mysterious figure.
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Which was the hardest of the eighty-one tribulations faced by the Tang Monk and his disciples on their journey to fetch the scriptures? In Journey to the West, the four pilgrims battled demons and overcame obstacles all the way to the Western Heaven. Each trial seemed arduous. But comparing them, which one posed the…
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Chan Master Xingsi ordained in childhood and later sought the Sixth Patriarch Huineng at Caoxi, becoming his foremost disciple. Shitou Xiqian arrived at Caoxi in Huineng’s final years. As the Patriarch prepared to enter nirvana, Xiqian pleaded: “To whom shall I turn after your passing?” Huineng’s dying guidance cut like lightning: “Seek Si” —…
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In the late summer of 630 CE, Xuanzang(Tripitaka) entered India from the north. On foot, he mapped the uncharted lands between China and India—a feat akin to a miracle.