In Journey to the West, when Great Immortal Zhenyuan (master of Wuzhuang Temple) instructed disciples Clear Breeze and Bright Moon to present two ginseng fruits to Tang Monk.
This seemingly simple act concealed profound ritualistic significance.
The Protocol of Absent Hospitality
One interpretation posits Zhenyuanzi’s adherence to sacred hospitality rites.
Though absent himself, the host-guest covenant must be honored. Typically, a host shares the meal with the visitor. Offering both portions — the guest’s rightful share and the host’s symbolic portion — conveyed apology for his absence.
This mirrors universal customs where hosts dine alongside guests.
Ritual Precision and Sacred Rarity
A second perspective synthesizes the fruit’s cosmic scarcity and protocol precision:
- Ginseng fruits were celestial marvels:
“Bloom once in 3,000 years, fruit in another 3,000, ripen after 9,000 years — barely thirty fruits per millennium” (Chapter 24). - Their rarity rivaled Peaches of Immortality and Elixirs of Laozi.
Tang Monk, as reincarnated Golden Cicada (Buddha’s second disciple), merited supreme reverence.
Two fruits achieved perfect equilibrium:
A single fruit would seem stingy
Three or more breached ritual propriety
Thus, duality embodied respect without excess, honoring both status and cosmic decorum.
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