Chapter 207, Journey to the West

As time went by, Wukong spent more and more time with the monk and learned that the monk’s Buddhist name was Xuanzang.

One day, Wukong could not help but say to Xuanzang:

“Xuanzang, do you know that you are the reincarnation of a person from Lingshan? Don’t you want to find your true self and find out everything about your past life?”

Xuanzang looked calm, his eyes gently looking into the distance, and he said slowly:
“Whether it’s the past life or this life, to me, it’s nothing but a passing cloud. I am just me, I am anyone, and I am not anyone. What’s important is the present moment, this heart that seeks Buddhahood.”

After hearing this, Wukong scratched his head. Although he was a little confused about Xuanzang’s answer, he secretly admired his state of mind.

After that, Wukong devoted himself to studying Buddhism with Xuanzang. Xuanzang taught him with all his strength. Wukong was gifted and soon learned all the Buddhism that Xuanzang knew.

At this time, Wukong felt that it was time to go to Lingshan, and he said to Xuanzang:

“I have learned all the Buddhist teachings you have given me. It is time to go to Lingshan. I will take you back to the temple. I plan to walk to Lingshan to show my sincerity.”

When Xuanzang heard this, a hint of interest flashed in his eyes, and he put his hands together and said:
“Walking to Lingshan Mountain and going through hardships is also a form of Buddhist practice. I am willing to go with you and continue to comprehend the Dharma during this long journey.”

Wukong was a little confused and asked:
“Why don’t you tell the people in the temple? They will definitely be worried about you.”

Xuanzang nodded slightly and said:
“You are right. I will explain it to them.”

So, Wukong and Xuanzang returned to the temple where Xuanzang was.

Xuanzang informed everyone in the temple that he and Wukong would go on foot to Lingshan to obtain Buddhist scriptures. Although everyone was reluctant, they understood Xuanzang’s decision and prayed for them.

After everything was arranged, Wukong and Xuanzang bid farewell to everyone in the temple and set out on the journey to Lingshan.

Lingshan is shrouded in auspicious light and filled with Buddhist chants.

On this day, the Buddha was preaching on the lotus platform, and the Bodhisattvas and Arhats below were listening devoutly.

Suddenly, an idea came to the Buddha, and he opened his eyes slightly, with a hint of surprise in his eyes. He already knew that Wukong had kidnapped Jin Chanzi, the reincarnation of Xuanzang.

He then told the matter to other Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.

Then he whispered:

“This Sun Wukong really acts casually. However, his meeting with Jin Chanzi this time might be a chance encounter.”

Manjusri Bodhisattva at the side put his hands together and asked respectfully:
“Buddha, how should this matter be handled?”

The Buddha pondered for a moment and said slowly:
“Sun Wukong has a great ambition to create a world where humans and demons can live in harmony. His ambition is commendable. Jin Chanzi’s reincarnation as Xuanzang is also a fate for me in Buddhism.

Send Guanyin Bodhisattva to contact Wukong to see what he is planning, and guide them both onto the right path.”

Guanyin Bodhisattva took the order, turned into a golden light, left Lingshan and headed for Jambudvīpa.

At this time, Wukong and Xuanzang were resting in a forest. Wukong was telling Xuanzang about his experiences in Uttarakuru, and Xuanzang was listening attentively.

Just then, an old woman appeared in front of them.

The old woman was dressed simply, her face was anxious, she was leaning on a cane, her steps were unsteady, and she looked very weak.

Wukong saw through the old woman’s disguise at a glance. She was the incarnation of Guanyin Bodhisattva. However, he was curious about what Guanyin was going to do, so he watched quietly from the side.

The old woman walked up to them tremblingly and said in a crying voice:

“My two kindhearted people, I am lost. I cannot find my way home in this remote place. Please help me.”

Xuanzang was compassionate by nature, and upon seeing this, he quickly stepped forward to support the old woman, and said in a gentle voice:

“Don’t worry, old man. Please speak slowly. We will definitely help you find the way home.”

Along the way, Guanyin Bodhisattva pretended to ask casually:
“Where are you two going? You seem to be in a hurry.”

Xuanzang answered without reservation:
“We are going to the Lingshan Mountain in the west for the purpose of pilgrimage, seeking the higher Buddhist teachings and saving all sentient beings.”

Guanyin Bodhisattva nodded slightly, already understanding, and pointed along the path ahead, saying:

“Oh, now I remember. If we follow this road, we’ll be home. Thank you so much.”

After that, he turned and left.

But before she had gone far, a golden light flashed, and Wukong instantly appeared in front of Guanyin Bodhisattva, blocking her way.

It was none other than Wukong.

Wukong asked:

“Avalokitesvara, you are disguised as an old woman, asking for directions and inquiring about our itinerary. What exactly do you want to do?”

When Guanyin Bodhisattva saw that he had been discovered, he no longer concealed his true intentions and returned to his original solemn appearance. He smiled and said:

“Sun Wukong, you are indeed extraordinary.

The Buddha saw you taking away the reincarnation of Jin Chanzi, so he sent me here to test it. Now it seems that you and Xuanzang do have a heart for Buddha, which is a good thing! “

“Lingshan happens to have Mahayana Buddhism. As the reincarnation of Jin Chanzi, he will also go to Lingshan to obtain Mahayana Buddhism to save all living beings. Your move is exactly in line with the Buddhist plan. I will definitely go back and tell the Buddha. If you are sincere, you may be able to enter Buddhism!”

After hearing what Guanyin Bodhisattva said, Wukong raised his eyebrows slightly, a gleam of thought flashed in his eyes, and he scratched his head and said:
“Bodhisattva, I just want to find a way to make the human race and the demon race live in harmony. I think the answer may be hidden in Buddhism, so I want to go to Lingshan to seek the true scriptures.

As for entering Buddhism, I don’t really care, I only care whether I can fulfill my wish.”

Guanyin Bodhisattva nodded gently, looked at Wukong with gentle eyes, and said:
“Sun Wukong, you have such a great wish, which is a blessing for all the people in the world. This Mahayana Buddhism contains infinite compassion and wisdom. It can not only save all living beings, but also help you realize your ideals.

Jin Chanzi was reincarnated as Xuanzang, with the mission of retrieving the Mahayana Buddhism. You are traveling with him, just in accordance with this mysterious arrangement.”

Wukong rubbed the back of his head and grinned:
“I, Sun, don’t understand what the arrangements are. I only know that Xuanzang is a kind-hearted man. I will go to Lingshan with him so that we can take care of each other and learn more about Buddhism.

Since this matter is in line with the Buddhist plan, I will go through this journey well!”

Guanyin Bodhisattva smiled and nodded.

Subsequently.

She simply revealed her true form in front of Xuanzang.

Xuanzang was shocked when he saw this.

Afterwards Wukong briefly explained everything, and he realized that the woman was actually Guanyin Bodhisattva.

Guanyin said:

“Xuanzang, you are the reincarnation of Jin Chanzi. Although you have forgotten your past life, your heart of Buddha has not changed. The journey to Lingshan is difficult and dangerous. You must have firm faith and not give up halfway.”

Xuanzang put his hands together, his face calm and firm, and said respectfully:
“Don’t worry, Bodhisattva. I will keep your teachings in mind. No matter how many difficulties and obstacles lie ahead, I will devote myself to Buddhism and go to Lingshan Mountain to seek the Dharma and save all living beings.”

Guanyin Bodhisattva nodded with satisfaction and continued:

“In that case, the two of you should continue on your journey. There will be many tests waiting for you along the way, but as long as you are sincere and determined, you will be able to overcome the dangers.

I will go back and report to the Buddha and tell him your determination. Sun Wukong, if you can remain sincere throughout your journey to obtain the scriptures, you may be able to get what you want in the future.”

Wukong laughed, patted his chest and said:

“Don’t worry, Bodhisattva. I will keep my word! I will definitely bring Xuanzang to Lingshan safely and obtain the Mahayana Buddhism!”

After saying that, Wukong and Xuanzang bowed to Guanyin Bodhisattva. Guanyin Bodhisattva nodded slightly, turned into a golden light, and instantly disappeared into the sky.

Guanyin Bodhisattva returned to Lingshan soon.

“Buddha, I have followed your instructions and went to test Sun Wukong and Xuanzang.” The Buddha nodded slightly, looked at Guanyin Bodhisattva calmly, and asked softly:
“Oh? So what was the result of this test?”

Guanyin Bodhisattva informed the Buddha in detail about what Wukong and Xuanzang said and did.

After Guanyin Bodhisattva finished speaking, the Buddha frowned slightly and fell into deep thought.

He closed his eyes slightly, trying to figure out Goku’s true intentions.

After all, since his birth, all the deeds of Wukong have shown that he is no ordinary person.

He pacified Uttarakuru and became famous, but now he suddenly wants to go to Lingshan to seek Buddhist scriptures. This change is really too strange.

“The news of Sun Wukong’s pacification of Northern Juluzhou has spread all over the world. He wants to create a world where humans and demons can live in harmony. If he really wants to save the world, it makes sense for him to seek Buddhist scriptures.

But he has always acted casually and unpredictably, so I’m afraid there are other reasons.”

The Buddha slowly opened his eyes, and a hint of doubt flashed in his eyes.

Seeing the Buddha’s worried look, Manjusri Bodhisattva clasped his hands together and said respectfully:

“Buddha, although Sun Wukong behaves unruly, judging from his words and deeds, he seems to have a heart that seeks the welfare of the people. Perhaps we should give him a chance.”

The Buddha nodded slightly and said:
“Having said that, it is important to be cautious and not take it lightly.”

After saying this, the Buddha’s figure flashed slightly and then disappeared on the lotus platform.

The next moment, the Buddha appeared in the Lingxiao Palace in Heaven.

The Jade Emperor was sitting on the throne, handling the affairs of Heaven.

Seeing the Buddha coming, the Jade Emperor stood up slightly, bowed and said with a smile:
“I wonder what important matter the Buddha has for your visit?”

The Buddha put his hands together, bowed slightly, and said:

“Your Majesty, I came here today because of Sun Wukong’s matter.”

Upon hearing this, the Jade Emperor frowned slightly and said:

“Sun Wukong? What trouble has he caused again?”

The Buddha informed the Jade Emperor in detail about how Wukong had abducted Xuanzang, the reincarnation of Jin Chanzi, and their plan to go to Lingshan to seek Buddhist scriptures.

After hearing this, the Jade Emperor pondered for a moment and said:

“It is surprising that Sun Wukong has such an idea now. However, you should not ask me about this matter. Go ask Laojun.”

The Buddha then bid farewell to the Jade Emperor.

Found Taishang Laojun again.

Coincidentally.

Lin Yuan is also in the Tushita Palace.

When Tathagata saw Lin Yuan, he made some calculations secretly, but found that he could not see through this person’s background, and was slightly surprised.

He looked at Taishang Laojun inquiringly.

Taishang Laojun smiled slightly and introduced:

“Tathagata, this is Sun Wukong’s master. You may call him the Holy Lord Zhaohou.”

The Buddha nodded slightly, a look of understanding appeared on his face, but his heart was full of doubts. He wondered secretly when such a mysterious figure appeared in this world and he knew nothing about him.

He frowned slightly and asked:
“Old Lord, when did such a great man appear in this world? Why have I never heard of him?”

Taishang Laojun just smiled mysteriously and did not answer.

Lin Yuan also looked calm and had no intention of explaining.

Seeing that neither of them wanted to say more, Buddha Tathagata stopped asking questions and turned the topic to Sun Wukong.

He clasped his hands together, looked at Lin Yuan, and said:
“Since you are Wukong’s master, you should know his thoughts best. Now Wukong wants to take Xuanzang to Lingshan to seek Buddhist scriptures. I really can’t figure out his true intentions.

I wonder if you can explain to me why Wukong wants to go on this pilgrimage?”

Lin Yuan hesitated for a moment and slowly said:

“Wukong is a free-spirited child, but he also has a sense of justice. He pacified Northern Juluzhou so that the human race and the demon race there could live in harmony.

His trip to Lingshan to seek Buddhist scriptures was also to realize his own ambition and find a way to make all people in the world live and work in peace and contentment.

Although he acts casually, the kindness and justice in his heart have never changed. “

“Of course. The most important thing is that Wukong has reached his limit. His way out may only become clearer if he walks and observes more.”

The Tathagata Buddha nodded slightly, a thoughtful gleam in his eyes, and said:

“I see. From what you said, Wukong really cares about the world. I originally wanted to arrange some people to protect my disciple, but now that Wukong is here, I don’t have to worry too much.”

Lin Yuan said:
“I only hope that if Wukong can firmly follow Jin Chanzi all the way to Lingshan, you can teach him the Buddhist teachings without reservation.”

Buddha Tathagata was slightly startled, with a hint of surprise in his eyes. He did not expect Lin Yuan to make such a request.

However, he quickly regained his composure, nodded slightly, and said:

“Don’t worry, if Wukong can truly firmly protect Xuanzang and help him reach Mount Lingshan and sincerely devote himself to Buddhism, I will naturally teach him Buddhism without reservation.

Our Buddhist sect has always been open to those who are predestined to receive us. If he can gain enlightenment, it will be a blessing for Buddhism.”

Lin Yuan nodded slightly:

“With the Buddha’s words, I feel relieved.

Although Wukong is a little impatient and acts casually, he has a kind heart and a spirit of never giving up.

I believe that on this journey of learning, he will continue to grow, make further progress, and eventually realize his ambitions.”

The Supreme said aside:

“You really believe in your disciple. What will you do if he doesn’t make further progress in the end?”

“Besides, you originally just wanted to verify something on him, right? After going to Northern Juluzhou, do you still have doubts in your heart?”

Lin Yuan was silent for a moment:

“After Uttarakuru, I really have no doubts in my heart anymore.”

“But Wukong”

“I really want to see where his limits are now.”

“If he had not made any further progress after completing the journey to obtain the scriptures and the journey to heaven.”

“I will do it myself.”

“After all, I promised the Jade Emperor.”

(End of this chapter)