Chapter 100: Returning to the Eastern Land Five Saints Become Immortal

Leaving aside the four pilgrims who departed, carried by the Devas on the wind, let's turn to the many people in Chen Village's Temple of Deliverance. Waking at dawn, they continued to prepare fruit and dishes for offerings. When they reached downstairs, Tang Sanzang was nowhere to be found. Some came to ask, others came to search, all in a panic, at a loss, lamenting loudly: "The Living Buddha has departed without a trace!" Finding no immediate solution, they carried all the prepared offerings upstairs to make sacrifices and burn paper money. Thereafter, they held four major sacrifices and twenty-four minor ones every year. Furthermore, those seeking healing, protection, marriage, wealth, or children came ceaselessly, day after day, to burn incense and offer sacrifices. Truly, the golden incense burners had an unbroken fire for a thousand years, and the jade lamps shone brightly for ten thousand. This shall not be further elaborated.

Now, the Eight Great Devas, using their second waft of perfumed wind, transported the four pilgrims to the Eastern Lands in less than a day, and they gradually caught sight of Chang'an. Emperor Taizong had originally sent Tang Sanzang out of the city on the third day before the full moon in the ninth month of the thirteenth year of Zhenguan. By the sixteenth year, he had already ordered officials from the Ministry of Works to construct the Scripture-Viewing Pavilion outside Xi'an Pass to receive the scriptures. Taizong himself visited the site every year. Coincidentally, on that very day, he had journeyed out and returned to the pavilion when he suddenly saw auspicious mists filling the western sky and wafts of perfumed wind. The Devas stopped in mid-air and called out: "Holy Monk, this is Chang'an City. We cannot descend, as the people here are clever and might reveal our forms. You, Great Sage Sun, and the other two need not go. You should go alone to present the scriptures to your lord and return immediately. We will wait for you in the heavens to report back together." The Great Sage said: "Though what you say, Venerable One, is true, how can our master carry the scripture basket? How can he lead this horse? We must accompany him for the final delivery. Please wait a little longer in the air; we dare not delay." The Deva replied: "The day before yesterday, Bodhisattva Guanyin reported to the Tathagata that the journey, to and fro, must be completed within eight days to fulfill the collection. More than four days have already passed, and we fear Bajie might covet worldly riches and miss the deadline." Bajie laughed and said: "If Master becomes a Buddha, I too hope to become a Buddha. How could I possibly covet worldly things? You big brute! All of you wait here for me. Once I deliver the scriptures, I'll come back to make a dedication with you." The simpleton carried the luggage, Sha Seng led the horse, and Pilgrim led the Holy Monk. They all lowered their cloud, landing near the Scripture-Viewing Pavilion. Emperor Taizong and his many officials saw them and immediately descended the pavilion to greet them, saying: "My Imperial Brother has returned?" Tang Sanzang immediately prostrated himself, and Taizong helped him up, then asked: "Who are these three individuals?" Tang Sanzang replied: "They are disciples I took on during my journey." Taizong was overjoyed and immediately ordered his attendants: "Harness my imperial carriage and horse; invite my Imperial Brother to mount and return to court with me." Tang Sanzang thanked him for the favor, mounted the horse, and the Great Sage followed closely, brandishing his golden cudgel. Bajie and Sha Seng both assisted with the horse and carried the luggage, following the imperial procession into Chang'an. Truly, it was a sight to behold:

In those peaceful days of feasting and joy,Officials, civil and military, shone bright.Monks expounded the Dharma in solemn rites,And the Emperor dispatched ministers from his golden throne.The passport, decreed for Tang Sanzang,The scriptures' purpose, matching the Five Elements.Fierce demons refined and vanquished,Their task now complete, they joyously returned to the capital.

Tang Sanzang and his four companions followed the imperial procession into the court. Not a soul in the entire city was unaware that the scripture-retrievers had arrived. Meanwhile, the monks, young and old, at Hongfu Temple in Chang'an, where Tang Sanzang used to reside, noticed that the tops of several pine trees were all leaning eastward. Astonished, they exclaimed: "How strange! How strange! There was no wind tonight, so why are these tree tops all twisted this way?" One of Sanzang's former disciples among them said: "Quick, get our robes! Our master, the scripture-retriever, has returned!" The other monks asked: "How do you know?" The former disciple replied: "When our master departed years ago, he said: 'After I leave, whether it be three, five, six, or seven years, if you see the pine branches leaning eastward, I will have returned.' Our master's words are sacred like those of a Buddha, so this is how I know." They hastily donned their robes and went out. By the time they reached West Street, news had already spread: "The scripture-retrievers have just arrived! His Majesty the Emperor has escorted them into the city!" Hearing this, the monks hurried along and met the procession. Upon seeing the imperial carriage, they dared not approach, instead following behind it to the outside of the palace gate. Tang Sanzang dismounted and entered the court with the others. Tang Sanzang, with the Dragon Horse, the scripture luggage, Pilgrim, Bajie, and Sha Seng, stood below the jade steps. Taizong proclaimed: "Let my Imperial Brother ascend the hall." He was granted a seat. Tang Sanzang again thanked him and sat down, then ordered the scriptures to be brought. Pilgrim and the others took them out, and the attendants conveyed them up. Taizong further asked: "How many scriptures are there? And how did you obtain them?" Sanzang replied: "Your humble monk arrived at the Spirit Mountain and paid respects to the Buddha. Ananda and Kasyapa, the two Venerable Ones, were sent to first lead me to the Jewel Tower for a meal, and then to the Treasure Pavilion to transmit the scriptures. Those Venerable Ones demanded a personal gift. As I had not prepared one and did not offer it, they then gave me the scriptures. As I was thanking the Buddha for his grace and journeying eastward, a demonic wind suddenly snatched the scriptures. Fortunately, my humble disciples, with their divine powers, pursued and recovered them, but they were scattered about. Upon examination, they were all blank scrolls without characters. Your humble monk was alarmed and returned to humbly implore the Buddha. The Buddha said: 'When these scriptures were first completed, a holy monk, a bhikshu, took them down the mountain to the house of Elder Zhao in Sravasti. After they were recited once to ensure the safety of his living family members and the salvation of the deceased, the monk only asked for three *dou* and three *sheng* of gold the size of rice grains. He even thought that was too cheap, and his future descendants would have no money to use.' We understood that the two Venerable Ones demanded a personal gift, and the Buddha clearly knew this. So, we had no choice but to give them the imperial purple-gold alms bowl as a gift, and only then did they transmit the true scriptures with characters. These scriptures comprise thirty-five divisions, from which several volumes were selected and brought back, totaling five thousand and forty-eight scrolls. This number completes one Tripitaka."

Taizong was even more delighted and ordered: "Let the Imperial Banqueting Court prepare a feast and open the East Pavilion to express our gratitude." Suddenly, seeing his three disciples standing below the steps, their appearances extraordinary, he asked: "Are these esteemed disciples truly foreigners?" The Elder prostrated himself and replied: "My eldest disciple's surname is Sun, and his Dharma name is Wukong. Your humble servant also calls him Pilgrim Sun. He originated from the Flower-Fruit Mountain, Water-Curtain Cave, in Aolai Country, East Purvavideha Continent. Five hundred years ago, he caused a great disturbance in the Heavenly Palace and was trapped by the Buddha beneath a stone mountain in the Region of Two Boundaries in the Western Regions. Thanks to Bodhisattva Guanyin's persuasion, he willingly converted, and your humble servant rescued him there. This disciple's protection has been invaluable. My second disciple's surname is Pig, and his Dharma name is Wuneng. Your humble servant also calls him Pig Bajie. He originated from the Cloud-Pathway Cave on Mount Fuling. He was causing trouble at Gao Village in Us-Tsang, but was persuaded to do good by the Bodhisattva, and Pilgrim took him in. He has been strong in carrying burdens and effective in crossing waters throughout the journey. My third disciple's surname is Sha, and his Dharma name is Wujing. Your humble servant also calls him Friar Sand. He was originally a monster causing trouble in the Flowing Sand River. He too was persuaded to do good by the Bodhisattva and embraced the Buddhist faith. As for that horse, it is not the one Your Majesty bestowed." Taizong said: "Its coat is identical. How can it not be?" Sanzang replied: "When your humble servant was crossing the Eagle-Sorrowing Stream in Snake-Coil Mountain, my original horse was swallowed by this horse. Pilgrim had to request the Bodhisattva to inquire about this horse's origin. It turned out to be the son of the Dragon King of the Western Ocean, who had committed a sin. He was also redeemed by the Bodhisattva and instructed to serve as my steed. At that time, it transformed into a horse identical to my original one in appearance. Fortunately, it has traversed mountains and ridges, overcoming rugged terrain. I rode it on the journey there, and it carried the scriptures on the way back. Its strength has been greatly relied upon."

Hearing this, Taizong praised them incessantly and further asked: "Having journeyed so far to the West, what was the exact distance of the journey?" Sanzang replied: "Recalling the Bodhisattva's words, it was one hundred and eight thousand li. I did not keep count along the way, but I know we experienced fourteen cycles of cold and heat. Every day brought mountains, every day ridges; we encountered no small forests and wide, torrential waters. We also passed through several kingdoms, all of which provided their verification seals." He called out: "Disciples, bring up the passport and present it to His Majesty." It was then handed up. Taizong examined it. It had been issued on the third day before the full moon in the ninth month of the thirteenth year of Zhenguan. Taizong smiled and said: "You have toiled long on this distant journey; it is now the twenty-seventh year of Zhenguan." The passport bore the seals of the Kingdom of Baoxiang, the Wuji Kingdom, the Chechi Kingdom, the Women's Kingdom of Xiliang, the Sacrificial Offerings Kingdom, the Kingdom of Purpuria, the Lion-Camel Kingdom, the Bhikshu Kingdom, the Kingdom of Extinguishing Dharma; and also the seals of Fengxian Prefecture, Yuhua Prefecture, and Jinping Prefecture. Taizong finished examining it and put it away.

Soon, the attending official invited them to the banquet. Taizong descended from the hall, walked hand-in-hand with Tang Sanzang, and then asked: "Are your esteemed disciples well-versed in etiquette?" Sanzang replied: "My humble disciples are all former demon-beings from mountain villages and wild plains. They are not acquainted with the etiquette of your sacred Heavenly Dynasty. I earnestly implore Your Majesty to pardon their shortcomings." Taizong smiled and said: "No offense, no offense. Let us all proceed together to the East Pavilion for the banquet." Sanzang again expressed his gratitude and beckoned his three disciples to the pavilion to observe. Indeed, it was truly a grand Chinese state, unlike any ordinary place. Behold—

The gates were hung with embroidered silks, and the ground was covered with red felt. Exquisite fragrances permeated the air, and rare, fresh delicacies were displayed. Amber cups and glass goblets, inlaid with gold and kingfisher feathers; golden platters and white jade bowls, adorned with brocade flowers. Braised turnips, candied taro, sweet mushrooms, and rare sea vegetables. Several times, spicy ginger-shoots were added, and many times, honey-dressed sunflower seeds were served. Wheat gluten, tree-of-heaven leaves, wood ear fungus, and bean curd sheets. Stone flowers and fairy vegetables, fern root powder, and dried osmanthus. Peppercorn-boiled radishes and mustard-dressed melon shreds. Several plates of vegetarian dishes were served, but a few rare and exotic fruits were truly outstanding: walnuts, persimmon cakes, longans, lychees, Xuanzhou chestnuts, Shandong dates, Jiangnan ginkgo nuts, and Rabbit Head Pears. Hazelnuts, pine nuts, lotus seeds, large grapes, Torreya nuts, melon seeds, and water caltrop kernels were all present. Olives, crabapples, fenpo fruit, and sand pears. Water chestnuts, tender lotus roots, crisp plums, and bayberries. Nothing was lacking, nothing was incomplete. There were also steamed pastries, honeyed sweets, and splendid dishes, along with fine wines, fragrant teas, and exotic wonders. The hundreds of rare delicacies were truly supreme. Indeed, the Middle Kingdom was vastly different from the Western barbarians.

The four pilgrims, along with the civil and military officials, were arranged on either side, while Emperor Taizong sat centrally. Music, song, and dance were performed with solemn precision, and they enjoyed themselves throughout the day. Truly—

The Emperor's joyous gathering, rivaling Yao and Shun,With true scriptures obtained, blessings overflowed.For a thousand ages, it shall be passed down, forever glorious,The Buddha's light shining upon the imperial abode.

That evening, the banquet of gratitude concluded. Taizong returned to his palace, the many officials to their residences, and Tang Sanzang and his companions returned to Hongfu Temple, where they were greeted by the temple monks prostrating themselves. Just as they entered the mountain gate, the monks reported: "Master, the tops of these trees all suddenly turned eastward this morning. We remembered your words, so we came out of the city to welcome you, and indeed you have arrived!" The Elder was overcome with joy and entered the abbot's quarters. At this time, Bajie no longer complained about food and drink, nor did he make a commotion. Pilgrim and Sha Seng were each composed. Because their spiritual mission was accomplished, they naturally found peace. That night, they slept.

The next morning, Taizong held court and said to his ministers: "I have contemplated the profound and immense merits of my Imperial Brother, and I find no way to adequately repay him. I spent the night sleepless, composing a few humble words to express my gratitude, but I have not yet written them down." He called out: "Clerk of the Central Secretariat, come here. I will dictate them to you, and you shall write them down one by one." The text read:

Indeed, it is heard that the two primordial forces (Heaven and Earth) manifest forms, revealing their capacity to cover and contain all life; the four seasons are formless, yet they secretly transform beings through cold and heat. Thus, when observing Heaven and Earth, even the ignorant discern their principles; but in comprehending Yin and Yang, the wise rarely exhaust their subtleties. However, Heaven and Earth encompass Yin and Yang, and are easy to comprehend because they have forms; while Yin and Yang reside within Heaven and Earth, and are difficult to fathom because they are formless. Therefore, it is known that manifest forms can be verified, and even the ignorant are not bewildered; but hidden forms cannot be seen, and even the wise remain perplexed. How much more so is the Buddhist Way, which reveres emptiness, riding the profound and controlling the serene? It broadly delivers all beings and governs the ten directions. Its majestic spiritual power is unsurpassed, its divine force unparalleled; in its vastness, it pervades the universe; in its minuteness, it is contained within a hair's breadth. Without extinction or birth, it endures through a thousand kalpas, eternal; appearing and disappearing, it brings forth myriad blessings, lasting until the present. The wondrous Way is profoundly subtle; those who follow it cannot grasp its limits. The flow of Dharma is deep and serene; those who draw from it cannot fathom its source. Thus, how can the multitude of common fools, the petty and vulgar, not be bewildered when encountering its tenets? However, the rise of this Great Teaching originated in the Western Land. It ascended to the Han court as a radiant dream, illuminating the Eastern domains with its benevolent flow. In ancient times, when the Buddha appeared and manifested, his words transformed before they spread; in a world where he was sometimes visible and sometimes hidden, people looked up to his virtue and knew to follow. When his radiant form returned to truth, transcending the world, his golden countenance concealed its luster, no longer reflecting the light of three thousand worlds; his beautiful images were manifested, empty representations of his thirty-two auspicious marks. Thence, his subtle words spread widely, rescuing sentient beings from the three evil paths; his bequeathed teachings were extensively proclaimed, guiding all living beings to the ten stages of spiritual development. The Buddha's scriptures differentiate between the Greater and Lesser Vehicles; and his teachings convey the methods for distinguishing between error and truth. Our monk, Master Xuanzang, is the leader of the Dharma gate. From youth, he possessed prudence and diligence, early comprehending the merits of the Three Emptinesses; as he matured, he achieved spiritual clarity, first embracing the practice of the Four Endurances. The wind in the pines and the moon on the water are insufficient to compare to his purity and brilliance; immortal dew and radiant pearls can hardly match his clarity and luster! Thus, with wisdom, he traversed without impediment, and his spirit discerned the unmanifested. He transcended the six dusts (objects of senses) and rose above, making his fragrance endure for a thousand ages. Focusing his mind on the inner realm, he grieved the decline of the true Dharma; dwelling in the profound gate of Buddhism, he lamented the errors and falsities in the deep texts. He resolved to categorize and elucidate the principles, broadening earlier knowledge; to cut off falsehoods and preserve truth, enlightening future generations. Therefore, he yearned for the Pure Land and journeyed west in search of Dharma. Braving dangers, he traveled afar, embarking on a solitary expedition with his staff. Accumulated snow flew in the morning, making him lose his way; terrifying sand rose at dusk, obscuring the heavens. Over ten thousand li of mountains and rivers, he pushed through mist and haze, advancing; through a hundred cycles of cold and heat, he trod through frost and rain, leaving his footprints. His sincerity was heavy, his toil light; his quest profound, his desire to attain it strong. He traveled throughout the Western regions for fourteen years. He thoroughly visited foreign lands, seeking the true teachings. At the Twin Groves and Eight Waters, he tasted the Dharma and consumed the wind; at Deer Park and Vulture Peak, he gazed upon wonders and marveled at the extraordinary. He received the ultimate words from ancient sages and the true teachings from eminent worthies. He explored the profound gates of wisdom and delved deeply into the abstruse practices. The path of the Three Vehicles and Six Disciplines coursed through his mind; the texts of the Tripitaka, numerous as a hundred coffers, flowed from his mouth like waves from the ocean. While the countries he visited were boundless, the scriptures he sought were finite. He obtained a total of thirty-five major Mahayana texts, comprising five thousand and forty-eight scrolls, which he translated and disseminated throughout China, proclaiming the supreme endeavor. He drew the clouds of compassion from the westernmost reaches, pouring the rain of Dharma upon the eastern frontier. The sacred teaching, once incomplete, is now whole again; common people, burdened by sin, are restored to blessing. To moisten the dry flames of the burning house (samsara), and together pull beings from the path of delusion; to illuminate the murky waves of the Golden Water (world of defilement), and together reach the other shore. Thus, it is known that evil leads to downfall due to karma, while good leads to ascent through affinity. The causes of rise and fall are solely of one's own making. Just as the cassia tree grows on high ridges, its flowers nourished by clouds and dew; and the lotus emerges from green waters, its leaves unstained by flying dust. It is not that the lotus is inherently pure or the cassia inherently chaste, but rather that what they adhere to is lofty, so minor defilements cannot attach; and what they rely upon is pure, so foul elements cannot contaminate. If even plants, which are inanimate, can become good through good associations, how much more so humankind, who possess consciousness? How can they not achieve auspiciousness through auspicious connections? Therefore, we hope that these true scriptures will be propagated, enduring eternally like the sun and moon; and that their auspicious blessings will spread far and wide, great and everlasting as Heaven and Earth!

Upon finishing writing, Taizong immediately summoned the Holy Monk. At this time, the Elder was already waiting outside the palace gate to express his thanks. Hearing the summons, he hastily entered and performed the prostration ceremony. Taizong ordered him to ascend the hall and handed the text to the Elder to read thoroughly. He then knelt again to express thanks and said: "Your Majesty's prose is lofty and ancient, its principles profound and subtle. But I wonder, what is its title?" Taizong said: "I composed it orally last night to express my gratitude to my Imperial Brother. It is titled 'Preface to the Sacred Teachings.' I wonder if it is good?" The Elder kowtowed, offering endless thanks. Taizong further said:

My talent is as flawed as imperfect jade or stone, and my words are inferior to inscriptions on gold or stone. As for inner Buddhist scriptures, I am especially unversed. The preface I orally composed is truly crude and clumsy. It defiles the golden tablets with common ink, and marks the pearl forest with tiles and pebbles. Reflecting upon myself, I feel ashamed and embarrassed. It is truly unworthy of praise and has caused you undue effort in expressing thanks.

At that moment, all the officials offered their congratulations, bowing respectfully to the Imperial Preface to the Sacred Teachings, and it was widely circulated inside and outside the court. Taizong said: "Imperial Brother, how about you expound and recite the true scriptures once?" The Elder replied: "Your Majesty, if I am to expound the true scriptures, I must find a Buddhist site. This treasure hall is not a suitable place for recitation." Taizong was greatly pleased and immediately asked the attending official: "Among the temples in Chang'an City, which one is clean and pure?" From the ranks, Grand Academician Xiao Yu stepped forth and reported: "There is a temple in the city called Dayan Pagoda Temple that is clean." Taizong immediately ordered the officials: "Let each of you devoutly carry a few scrolls of the true scriptures, and accompany me to Dayan Pagoda Temple, to invite my Imperial Brother to expound the scriptures." The many officials each carried the scrolls and followed Taizong's procession to the temple. A high platform was erected, and everything was neatly arranged. The Elder again ordered: "Bajie and Sha Seng, lead the Dragon Horse and manage the luggage. Pilgrim, stay by my side." He further said to Taizong: "Your Majesty, if you wish to spread the true scriptures throughout the land, you must make copies for dissemination. The original texts should be carefully preserved and not treated lightly." Taizong smiled again and said: "My Imperial Brother's words are most appropriate! Most appropriate!" He then summoned officials from the Hanlin Academy and the Central Secretariat to copy the true scriptures. He also had a temple built to the east of the city, named Teng Huang Temple.

The Elder ascended the platform, holding several scrolls, and was about to begin chanting when he suddenly smelled fragrant winds swirling. In mid-air, the Eight Great Devas appeared and called out loudly: "Reciters of scriptures, put down your scrolls and follow us back to the West!" Below, Pilgrim and the other two, along with the white horse, ascended from the ground. The Elder also dropped the scriptures and ascended from the platform into the highest heavens, following them as they soared away. Taizong and his many officials, startled, bowed towards the sky. This truly signifies—

The Holy Monk toiled to retrieve the scriptures,Journeying throughout the Western regions for fourteen years.He endured hardships on the path, facing perils,Traversing many mountains and waters, suffering vexations.His eighty-one tribulations completed,His three thousand merits and great merits fulfilled.The wondrous texts of great enlightenment returned to the Middle Kingdom,To be forever transmitted in the Eastern Lands.

After Taizong and his officials finished bowing, he immediately selected eminent monks at Dayan Pagoda Temple to hold a Grand Water-Land Dharma Assembly, where they recited the "True Scriptures of the Great Tripitaka" to deliver malevolent ghosts from the underworld and universally bestow blessings. The copied scriptures were then disseminated throughout the realm, and no more shall be said on this.

Now, the Eight Great Devas, riding the perfumed wind, led the Elder, his four companions, and the horse—five in total—back to the Spirit Mountain. The entire journey, to and fro, was completed precisely within eight days. At this time, all the deities of the Spirit Mountain were before the Buddha, listening to his discourse. The Eight Devas led the master and disciples inside and reported to the Tathagata: "Your disciples, having previously received your golden decree, escorted the Holy Monk and others to the Tang Kingdom and delivered the scriptures. We now specifically report our completion." Thereupon, the Tathagata called Tang Sanzang and the others forward to receive their positions. The Tathagata said: "Holy Monk, in your previous life, you were originally my second disciple, named Golden Cicada. Because you did not listen to my Dharma teachings and lightly regarded my Great Teaching, your true spirit was banished and reincarnated in the Eastern Lands. Now, it pleases me that you have taken refuge in the Dharma, upheld my precepts, and further, by embracing my teachings, retrieved the true scriptures. Your merits are great, and you are elevated to a high position with true attainment. You shall be the Buddha of Sandalwood Merit and Virtue. Sun Wukong, because you caused a great disturbance in the Heavenly Palace, I used my profound Dharma power to suppress you under the Five Elements Mountain. Fortunately, your predestined calamity was fulfilled, and you returned to Buddhism. Moreover, I am pleased that you concealed evil and promoted good, and successfully subdued demons and monsters during the journey, completing it from beginning to end. You are elevated to a high position with true attainment. You shall be the Victorious Fighting Buddha. Zhu Wuneng, you were originally the Heavenly River Marshal Tian Peng, a water deity. Because you got drunk and flirted with a fairy maiden at the Peach Banquet, you were banished to the mortal realm and reincarnated as a beast. Fortunately, you remembered your desire for a human form. Though you caused trouble in the Cloud-Pathway Cave on Mount Fuling, you happily embraced the Great Teaching, entered my monastic order, and protected the Holy Monk on the journey. However, you still retained a mischievous mind and unextinguished lust. Nevertheless, because of your meritorious service in carrying the burdens, you are elevated to a position with true attainment. You shall be the Altar Cleanser."

Bajie grumbled: "They all became Buddhas, but why am I made an Altar Cleanser?" The Tathagata said: "Because you have a strong appetite and a lazy body, with a large stomach. Throughout the Four Great Continents, there are many who revere my teachings. For all Buddhist rites, I appoint you to cleanse the altar. This is a position with considerable enjoyment; how could it be bad? Sha Wujing, you were originally the Curtain-Lifting General. You were banished to the lower realm for shattering a crystal goblet at the Peach Banquet. You fell into the Flowing Sand River, causing harm and eating people, creating evil karma. Fortunately, you took refuge in my teachings, sincerely upheld my precepts, and protected the Holy Monk. You have merit in climbing mountains and leading the horse. You are elevated to a high position with true attainment, as the Golden-Bodied Arhat." He then called the white horse: "You were originally the son of the Dragon King Guangjin of the Western Ocean. Because you defied your father's command and committed the sin of filial impiety, you fortunately took refuge in my Dharma and entered my monastic order. Every day, you have carried the Holy Monk to the West, and now you have carried the sacred scriptures to the East. You too have merit, and are elevated to a position with true attainment, as an Eight-Division Heavenly Dragon Horse." The Elder and his four companions all kowtowed and expressed their gratitude. The horse also gave thanks. Thereupon, the Revealing Devas were commanded to lead the horse to the Dragon-Transforming Pool behind the Spirit Mountain cliff and push it into the pond.

In a moment, the horse stretched itself, shed its skin and hair, changed its head and horns, grew golden scales all over its body, and silver whiskers beneath its jaws. With an aura of auspiciousness and four cloud-treading hooves, it flew out of the Dragon-Transforming Pool and coiled around the Sky-Supporting Ornate Pillar within the mountain gate. All the Buddhas praised the Tathagata's great Dharma. Pilgrim Sun then said to Tang Sanzang: "Master, at this moment I have become a Buddha, just like you. Surely I don't still wear that golden fillet, and you won't chant the 'Headache Sutra' to torture me anymore? Quickly, chant a loosening spell, take it off, and smash it into smithereens. Don't let that Bodhisattva use it to trick others again." Tang Sanzang said: "At that time, it was only because you were difficult to control that this method was used to restrain you. Now that you have become a Buddha, it has naturally gone. How could it still be on your head? Try feeling for it." Pilgrim raised his hand to feel, and indeed, it was gone. At this moment, the Buddha of Sandalwood Merit and Virtue, the Victorious Fighting Buddha, the Altar Cleanser, and the Golden-Bodied Arhat had all attained their true positions. The Heavenly Dragon Horse also returned to its true form. There is a poem to testify to this. It says:

The unified true form, once fallen into dust,The four elements re-combined to cultivate the body.The Five Elements discuss form and emptiness, returning to tranquility,A hundred monstrous empty names, let them not be discussed.The Buddha of Sandalwood Merit and Virtue attained true fruition, returning to great enlightenment,Completing their ranks and escaping the cycle of suffering.The scriptures transmitted throughout the world, grace widespread,The Five Sages reside high in the unique gate of Dharma.

When the Five Sages attained their enlightened positions, all the Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, Holy Monks, Arhats, Revealing Devas, Bhikshus, and Upasikas, along with the immortals and great deities from every mountain and cave, the Heavenly Generals, Meritorious Officers, Garan guardian deities, and Earth Deities, and all enlightened masters and immortals who had initially come to listen to the discourse, now returned to their respective places. Behold—

On Vulture Peak, rosy clouds gathered,In the Western Paradise, auspicious clouds assembled.Golden dragons lay peacefully, jade tigers rested calmly.The raven and rabbit (sun and moon) passed as they pleased, the tortoise and serpent (yin and yang) coiled as they wished.Red phoenixes and green luan birds were joyous in spirit, black apes and white deer content in mind.Eight-season wondrous flowers, four-season immortal fruits.Lofty pines and ancient junipers, emerald cypresses and slender bamboos.Five-colored plums bloomed and bore fruit seasonally, ten-thousand-year peaches ripened and refreshed anew.A thousand fruits and a thousand flowers vied for beauty,And the sky was filled with auspicious mists.

The multitude clasped their palms in reverence and recited:

Namo Dipankara Ancient Buddha. Namo Bhaisajyaguru Vaidurya Prabhasa Raja Buddha. Namo Sakyamuni Buddha. Namo Buddhas of Past, Present, and Future. Namo Pure Joy Buddha. Namo Vairocana Buddha. Namo Jewel Banner King Buddha. Namo Maitreya Honored Buddha. Namo Amitabha Buddha. Namo Amitayus Buddha. Namo Guiding to Truth Buddha. Namo Vajra Indestructible Buddha. Namo Jewel Light Buddha. Namo Dragon Honored King Buddha. Namo Diligent Good Buddha. Namo Jewel Moonlight Buddha. Namo Manifest Without Ignorance Buddha. Namo Varuna Buddha. Namo Narayana Buddha. Namo Merit Flower Buddha. Namo Talent Merit Buddha. Namo Good Wanderer Buddha. Namo Sandalwood Light Buddha. Namo Mani Banner Buddha. Namo Wisdom Torch Illuminating Buddha. Namo Ocean Virtue Bright Light Buddha. Namo Great Compassionate Light Buddha. Namo Compassion Power King Buddha. Namo Virtuous and Good Foremost Buddha. Namo Vast Lord Solemn Buddha. Namo Golden Flower Light Buddha. Namo Talent Bright Light Buddha. Namo Wisdom Victorious Buddha. Namo World Serene Light Buddha. Namo Sun Moon Light Buddha. Namo Sun Moon Pearl Light Buddha. Namo Wisdom Banner Victorious King Buddha. Namo Wondrous Sound Buddha. Namo Constant Light Banner Buddha. Namo World-Observing Lamp Buddha. Namo Dharma Victorious King Buddha. Namo Sumeru Light Buddha. Namo Great Wisdom Power King Buddha. Namo Golden Ocean Light Buddha. Namo Great Pervading Light Buddha. Namo Talent Light Buddha. Namo Sandalwood Merit and Virtue Buddha. Namo Victorious Fighting Buddha. Namo Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva. Namo Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva. Namo Manjushri Bodhisattva. Namo Samantabhadra Bodhisattva. Namo Pure Great Ocean Assembly Bodhisattvas. Namo Lotus Pond Sea Assembly Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. Namo All Bodhisattvas of the Western Paradise. Namo Three Thousand Revealing Deva Great Bodhisattvas. Namo Five Hundred Arhat Great Bodhisattvas. Namo Bhikshus, Upasikas, and Bhiksunis Bodhisattvas. Namo Boundless and Immeasurable Dharma Bodhisattvas. Namo Vajra Mahasattva Holy Bodhisattvas. Namo Altar Cleanser Bodhisattva. Namo Eight-Treasure Golden-Bodied Arhat Bodhisattva. Namo Eight-Divisions Heavenly Dragon Broad Power Bodhisattva.

All Buddhas in all worlds, and so forth.May this merit adorn the Buddha's Pure Land.Repaying the fourfold kindness above, and relieving the suffering of the three evil paths below.If there are any who see or hear this, may they all arouse the Bodhi mind,And be born together in the Land of Utmost Bliss, concluding this very body.All Buddhas of the ten directions and three times,All Honored Bodhisattvas Mahasattvas,Maha Prajna Paramita.

Thus concludes this chapter.