Chapter 98: Ape Familiar, Horse Tamed, Finally Casting Off the Shell Success Achieved and Truth Revealed

Kou Yuanwai, having been brought back to life, once again arranged the banners, streamers, drums, and music, and his monastic, Daoist, and lay friends escorted them on their way. Meanwhile, Tripitaka and his three disciples set out on the main road. Indeed, the Western Buddhist Land was unlike other places. They saw exquisite flowers, jade-like grasses, ancient cypresses, and green pines. Everywhere they passed, families were benevolent, and every household offered alms to monks. Whenever they encountered people practicing cultivation at the foot of a mountain, they also saw travelers chanting scriptures in the forest. The master and disciples traveled by night and day, and after another six or seven days, they suddenly saw a stretch of tall buildings and magnificent pavilions with multiple stories.

They reached a hundred feet into the sky, towering into the clouds. Looking down, one could watch the setting sun; stretching out a hand, one could pluck a shooting star. Broad windows seemed to encompass the universe, and towering eaves touched the cloud screen. Yellow cranes signaled the aging of autumn trees; colorful luan birds brought letters on the clear evening breeze. This was truly a spiritual palace with precious towers, a jade hall, and a pearl courtyard, where the true Dao was discussed and scriptures resonated through the cosmos. Flowers became beautiful in spring; pines turned greener after rain. Purple ganoderma and immortal fruits flourished every year; the graceful flight of crimson phoenixes evoked boundless spiritual insight.

Tripitaka raised his whip and pointed into the distance, saying, "Wukong, what a wonderful place!" Wukong replied, "Master, in those places with fake settings and false Buddha images, you were so eager to prostrate yourself. Now that we've arrived at this true setting and true Buddha image, why are you still on your horse?" Hearing this, Tripitaka quickly dismounted, jumping down, and was already at the entrance of the pavilion. There, a Daoist boy stood leaning against the mountain gate, calling out, "Are you perhaps the scripture-seeking traveler from the Eastern Land?" The Elder quickly straightened his clothes and looked up to observe.

He was dressed in brocade robes, holding a jade whisk. In his brocade robes, he often attended banquets in precious pavilions and at the Jade Pond; with his jade whisk in hand, he frequently dusted off immortal altars and purple mansions. Immortal talismans hung from his elbow, and he wore straw sandals on his feet. He was truly a graceful immortal, exceptionally handsome and extraordinary. He had attained immortality and resided in this splendid realm, having cultivated eternal life and shed the dust of the mortal world. The venerable monk did not recognize this guest from Spirit Mountain; it was the Golden Top Immortal of old.

The Great Sage Sun recognized him and immediately called out, "Master, this is the Golden Top Immortal of the Jade True Temple at the foot of Spirit Mountain. He's here to greet us!" Tripitaka then understood and stepped forward to bow. The Immortal laughed and said, "Venerable Monk, you've only arrived this year. Guanyin Bodhisattva tricked me! Ten years ago, she received the Buddha's golden decree to seek the scripture-seeker in the East, and she said you would arrive at my place in two or three years. I've waited every year, with no news, and I didn't expect to meet you only this year." Tripitaka put his palms together and said, "Thank you for your immense kindness, Immortal. I am deeply grateful!" Thereupon, the four of them led their horse and carried their burdens into the temple, where they greeted the Immortal one by one. The Immortal immediately ordered tea and a vegetarian meal to be prepared, and then told the young Daoist boy to prepare fragrant hot water for the venerable monk to bathe, so he would be ready to ascend to the Buddha land.

With merits complete and deeds fulfilled, it was fitting to bathe, refining one's nature to align with true innocence. A thousand hardships now finally ceased; the nine precepts and three refuges began anew. With demons vanquished, one truly ascended to the Buddha land; with calamities dispelled, one finally saw the true path. Washing away dust and grime, completely unblemished, returning to one's original state, an indestructible body.

After bathing, the master and disciples realized it was almost evening and rested at the Jade True Temple. The next morning, Tripitaka changed his clothes, put on his brocade kasaya, donned his Vairocana hat, and holding his tin staff, entered the hall to bid farewell to the Immortal. The Immortal laughed and said, "Yesterday you were worn, today you are resplendent. Seeing you thus, you are truly a son of Buddha." Tripitaka bowed to take his leave, but the Immortal said, "Wait, let me see you off." Wukong said, "No need for you to see us off. Old Sun knows the way." The Immortal said, "You know the cloud path. The Venerable Monk has not yet ascended the cloud path; you must travel the proper path." Wukong said, "That's true. Although Old Sun has traveled here several times, it was always by cloud. I've never actually set foot on this ground. Since there's a proper path, please do see us off. My Master's desire to worship the Buddha is great, so please don't delay." The Immortal, smiling, took Tripitaka's hand and guided him to the entrance to the sacred path. It turned out this path didn't go outside the mountain gate but rather passed through the central hall of the temple and out the back door. The Immortal pointed to Spirit Mountain and said, "Venerable Monk, look at the five-colored auspicious light and the thousand layers of propitious mist in mid-air—that is the Vulture Peak, the sacred realm of the Buddha." Tripitaka immediately prostrated himself upon seeing it. Wukong laughed and said, "Master, it's not time to prostrate yourself yet! As the saying goes, 'looking at a mountain can exhaust a horse.' We're still a long way from there; why prostrate now? If you prostrate yourself all the way to the top, how many times will you have to kowtow?" The Immortal said, "Venerable Monk, you, the Great Sage, Marshal Tian Peng, and Curtain-Raising General — the four of you — have now reached this blessed land and seen Spirit Mountain. I shall return." Tripitaka then bowed in farewell and departed.

The Great Sage led Tripitaka and the others, slowly ascending Spirit Mountain. After less than five or six li, they saw a flowing river, with surging waves and rushing currents, about eight or nine li wide, with no human traces on either side. Tripitaka was startled and said, "Wukong, we've taken the wrong path! Did the Immortal point us in the wrong direction? This water is so wide and turbulent, and there's no boat. How can we cross?" Wukong laughed and said, "No mistake! Look over there, isn't that a great bridge? You must cross over that bridge to achieve true enlightenment." The Elder and the others approached to look closer. By the bridge, there was a plaque with the three characters "Lingyun Du" (Lingyun Ferry). It was, in fact, a single log bridge.

From afar, it lay across the sky like a jade beam; close up, it was a withered log breaking the water. Spanning a river or building a bridge across the sea would be easier; how could a single log, a solitary beam, be crossed by humans? Like a ten-thousand-foot rainbow lying flat, or a thousand-fathom white ribbon reaching the horizon. Extremely slender and slippery, it was utterly impossible to cross, unless one was an immortal walking on colorful clouds.

Tripitaka, trembling with fear, said, "Wukong, this bridge is not for humans to walk on. Let's find another way." Wukong laughed and said, "This *is* the way, this *is* the way!" Pigsy panicked and said, "If this is the way, who dares to walk it? The water is wide, the waves are surging, and it's just a single, thin, slippery log. How can anyone step on it?" Wukong said, "You all stand back, and Old Sun will show you how to walk it." The Great Sage, indeed! He strode forward, jumped onto the log bridge, swayed precariously, and in a moment ran across. On the other side, he called out, "Come over, come over!" Tripitaka shook his head, and Pigsy and Sandy gnawed their fingers, saying, "Difficult, difficult, difficult!" Wukong ran back from the other side, grabbed Pigsy, and said, "Idiot, follow me, follow me!" Pigsy lay down on the ground and said, "Slippery, slippery, slippery! I can't walk! Please spare me! Let me ride the wind and mist across!" Wukong pressed him down and said, "What kind of place is this, that you're allowed to ride the wind and mist? You *must* walk across this bridge to become a Buddha." Pigsy said, "Brother, I'd rather not become a Buddha; I truly cannot walk across!"

The two of them were struggling, rolling and crawling, pulling and tugging, playing at the bridge side. Sandy went to mediate, and only then did they let go. Tripitaka turned his head and suddenly saw someone poling a boat from downstream, calling out, "Ferry crossing, ferry crossing!" The Elder was overjoyed and said, "Disciples, stop messing around! A ferry boat has arrived!" The three of them jumped up and stood still, looking together. As the boat approached, they saw it was a bottomless boat. Wukong, with his Fiery Golden Eyes, had already recognized him as the Guiding Buddha, also known as Namo Baozhuang Guangwang Buddha. Wukong didn't reveal this but just kept calling, "Come here! Pole closer!" In an instant, the boat was poled close to the bank, and the ferryman called again, "Ferry crossing, ferry crossing!" Tripitaka saw it and was startled again, saying, "How can this bottomless, broken boat ferry people?" The Buddha said, "My boat has been renowned since the dawn of chaos; fortunately, I pole it without changing. With waves and wind, it remains steady; without end or beginning, it joys in peace. Untouched by the six defilements, it can return to unity; through myriad eons, it travels safely and freely. A bottomless boat is difficult to cross the sea, yet from ancient times to the present, it ferries all living beings."

The Great Sage Sun put his palms together in thanks, saying, "We thank you for your great kindness in guiding my master. Master, get on the boat. Though this boat is bottomless, it is steady; even with wind and waves, it will not capsize." The Elder was still hesitant and full of doubt. Wukong hooked his arm around him and pushed him upwards. The Master couldn't keep his footing and tumbled into the water, but was immediately pulled up by the boatman and stood on the boat. The Master was still shaking his clothes and stamping his feet, complaining about Wukong. Wukong then led Sandy and Pigsy, pulling the horse and carrying the burdens, also onto the boat. They all stood firmly on the boat. The Buddha gently pushed off, and then they saw a dead body floating downstream from the upper reaches of the river. The Elder was greatly alarmed upon seeing it. Wukong laughed and said, "Master, don't be afraid. That was originally you." Pigsy also said, "It's you, it's you!" Sandy clapped his hands and said, "It's you, it's you!" The boatman, singing his work chant, also said, "That is you! Congratulations, congratulations!"

The three of them chimed in unison. Poling the boat, in no time they steadily crossed the Lingyun Immortal Ferry. Tripitaka then turned around and lightly stepped onto the other shore. This transformative moment was likened to shedding the flesh and blood body born of the womb, where what remained intimate and beloved was the primordial spirit. With merits complete and deeds fulfilled that day, one became a Buddha, cleansing the sixty-six defilements of yesteryear. This was truly the boundless wisdom, the endless method of reaching the other shore.

The four of them stepped ashore and looked back, but the bottomless boat had disappeared. Only then did Wukong say it was the Guiding Buddha. Tripitaka then understood, quickly turned around, and instead thanked his three disciples. Wukong said, "There's no need for us to thank each other; we have all supported each other. We relied on Master to be freed, using this path to cultivate merit, and fortunately attained true enlightenment. Master also relied on our protection, upholding the teachings, and happily shed his mortal coil. Master, look at this splendid realm before us, with its flowers, grasses, pines, bamboos, luan birds, phoenixes, cranes, and deer. Compared to those places where demons appeared, which is beautiful and which is evil? Which is good and which is bad?" Tripitaka thanked him repeatedly. One by one, light of body and swift of foot, they ascended Spirit Mountain, and soon saw the ancient Thunderclap Monastery.

Its summit touched the heavens, its roots connected to the veins of Mount Sumeru. Ingenious peaks were arrayed, strange rocks unevenly scattered. Below the precipices were jade-like grasses and exquisite flowers; beside the winding paths, purple ganoderma and fragrant orchids. Immortal monkeys picking fruit in the peach forest looked like burning gold; white cranes perched on pine branches looked like jade embraced by mist. Colorful phoenixes in pairs, green luan birds in couples. Colorful phoenixes in pairs, singing towards the sun, brought auspiciousness to the world; green luan birds in couples, dancing in the wind, were rare in the world. They also saw shimmering golden tiles layered like mandarin ducks, and gleaming patterned bricks paved with agate. East and west, rows upon rows, all were palaces adorned with pearls; south and north, stretches upon stretches, endless precious pavilions and towering halls. The Hall of Heavenly Kings emitted rays of light, and before the Dharma Protectors' Hall, purple flames shot forth. Pagodas stood tall, and utpala flowers were fragrant. Truly, the place was so superior, it seemed separate from heaven; the leisurely clouds made the day feel long. Where the mundane world reached not, all karmic ties ceased; through myriad eons, the grand Dharma hall remained flawless.

The master and disciples leisurely ascended to the summit of Spirit Mountain, where they saw lay devotees (Upāsaka) arrayed among green pines, and virtuous ones among verdant cypresses. The Elder was about to bow, but the laymen (Upāsaka), laywomen (Upāsikā), monks (Bhikkhu), and nuns (Bhikkhunī) quickly put their palms together and said, "Venerable Monk, please don't bow yet. Wait until you have seen Muni, then we can converse." Wukong laughed and said, "It's too early, too early! Let's go pay respects to the higher-ranking ones first."

The Elder, dancing with joy, followed Wukong directly to the outside of the Thunderclap Temple's mountain gate. There, the Four Great Vajra greeted them, saying, "Has the Venerable Monk arrived?" Tripitaka bowed and said, "Your disciple Xuanzang has arrived." After answering, he was about to enter, but the Vajra said, "Venerable Monk, please wait a moment. Allow us to report your arrival before you enter." One Vajra then turned and reported to the Four Great Vajra at the second gate that Tripitaka had arrived; from the second gate, the news was passed to the third gate. Within the third mountain gate were the divine monks responsible for offerings. Upon hearing of Tripitaka's arrival, they hurried to the Great Hero Hall to report to the Tathagata, the Supreme Sakyamuni Buddha, saying, "The venerable monk from the Tang dynasty has arrived at the treasure mountain to retrieve scriptures." The Buddha was greatly pleased. He immediately summoned the Eight Bodhisattvas, Four Vajra, Five Hundred Arhats, Three Thousand Gātis, Eleven Luminaries, and Eighteen Gālamas, arranging them in two rows. Then he issued a golden decree, summoning Tripitaka to enter. Inside, step by step, following the Buddha's decree, the call went out: "Venerable Monk, enter!" Tripitaka, in an orderly manner, along with Wukong, Pigsy, and Sandy, leading the horse and carrying their burdens, proceeded directly into the mountain gate.

This truly captured their journey: In those years, he diligently served as an imperial envoy, receiving his decree and bidding farewell to the King from the jade steps. In the clear morning, he climbed mountains amidst mist and dew; at dusk, he rested his head on stones amidst cloudy haze. Carrying his staff, he traveled afar over three thousand rivers; with his flying tin staff, he journeyed for ten thousand li along cliffs. With every thought focused on attaining true enlightenment, only today did he finally see the Tathagata.

The four of them arrived before the Great Hero Hall and prostrated themselves before the Tathagata. After prostrating, they bowed again to the left and right. After completing three prostrations each, they knelt before the Buddha, presenting their travel document. The Tathagata examined it item by item, then handed it back to Tripitaka. Tripitaka bowed respectfully and then addressed him, saying, "Your disciple Xuanzang, by the command of the Great Tang Emperor of the Eastern Land, has journeyed afar to this treasure mountain to seek true scriptures for the salvation of all living beings. I pray, my Buddha, that you grant your grace and soon bestow them, allowing me to return to my country."

The Tathagata then opened his compassionate mouth and spoke with great mercy to Tripitaka, saying, "Your Eastern Land, Jambudvipa, is vast and populous, but its inhabitants are plagued by excessive greed, killing, lust, deceit, fraud, and treachery. They do not follow Buddhist teachings, do not incline towards good karma, do not revere the Sun, Moon, and Stars, do not value the five grains; they are disloyal and unfilial, unjust and unkind, deceiving their own consciences, using large measures for taking and small measures for giving, harming lives and slaughtering animals. They commit boundless sins, their crimes overflowing and evils abundant, leading to the calamity of hell. Thus, they are forever cast into the netherworld, suffering the torment of pounding, grinding, and crushing, and transforming into animals. There are many with fur and horns, repaying debts with their bodies and feeding people with their flesh. Those who are forever cast into Avīci Hell, unable to transcend, it is all for these reasons. Although Confucius established the teachings of benevolence, righteousness, propriety, and wisdom there, and emperors in succession enacted punishments like banishment, exile, strangulation, and decapitation, what can be done about those who are ignorant and unenlightened, those who indulge without restraint? I now have three collections of scriptures (Tripitaka) that can transcend suffering and sorrow, and resolve calamities and past wrongs. The Tripitaka comprises one collection of Dharma, discussing heaven; one collection of Discourses, discussing earth; and one collection of Sutras, delivering spirits. In total, there are thirty-five sections, comprising fifteen thousand one hundred and forty-four scrolls. Truly, they are the path to cultivating truth, the gate of perfect goodness. They record everything about the astronomy, geography, people, birds, beasts, flora, implements, and human affairs of the four great continents of the world. There is nothing they do not contain. You have come from afar; I would like to give you all of them to take away, but the people in that region are foolish, stubborn, slander true words, and do not understand the profound principles of my monastic order." He called, "Ananda, Kasyapa, you two lead these four to the treasure pavilion. First, provide them with a vegetarian meal. After they have eaten, open the precious cabinet and select a few scrolls from each of the thirty-five sections of my Tripitaka for them, so they may transmit them to the Eastern Land and forever perpetuate this great grace."

The two venerable ones immediately followed the Buddha's decree and led the four to the lower floor of the pavilion, where they saw an endless array of rare treasures and exotic jewels. They saw the various deities preparing offerings, setting out a vegetarian banquet, all consisting of immortal delicacies, immortal dishes, immortal tea, and immortal fruits, a hundred kinds of rare flavors, unlike anything in the mortal world. The master and disciples bowed in gratitude for the Buddha's grace and enjoyed the meal to their hearts' content.

Precious flames and golden light illuminated their eyes, and exotic fragrances from rare delicacies were exquisitely subtle. The myriad-storied golden pavilion was endlessly beautiful, and a wave of immortal music entered their ears, clear and refreshing. Simple yet immortal flowers were rarely seen, and fragrant tea and exotic foods brought longevity. Having endured countless hardships until now, today they rejoiced in their glory and the attainment of the Way.

This time, Pigsy benefited greatly, and Sandy also gained. They fully enjoyed the food that granted longevity and bone-transforming benefits from the Buddha's abode. After the two venerable ones accompanied the four in finishing their meal, they entered the precious pavilion, opened the door, and ascended to view the scriptures. There, auspicious light and propitious aura enveloped them in a thousand layers; colorful mists and benevolent clouds covered ten thousand paths. On the scripture cabinets and outside the precious chests, red labels were affixed, with the names of the scripture scrolls written in regular script. These included: the Nirvana Sutra, 748 scrolls; the Bodhisattva Sutra, 1021 scrolls; the Akasagarbha Sutra, 400 scrolls; the Shurangama Sutra, 110 scrolls; the Great Collection Sutra of Benevolent Intent, 50 scrolls; the Sutra of Resolution, 140 scrolls; the Treasury Sutra, 45 scrolls; the Avatamsaka Sutra, 500 scrolls; the Sutra on Reverencing True Suchness, 90 scrolls; the Mahaprajnaparamita Sutra, 916 scrolls; the Great Bright Light Sutra, 300 scrolls; the Unprecedented Sutra, 1110 scrolls; the Vimalakirti Sutra, 170 scrolls; the Separate Sutra of the Three Treatises, 270 scrolls; the Diamond Sutra, 100 scrolls; the Sutra of Right Dharma Discourses, 120 scrolls; the Sutra of the Buddha's Fundamental Conduct, 800 scrolls; the Five Dragons Sutra, 32 scrolls; the Bodhisattva Precepts Sutra, 116 scrolls; the Great Collection Sutra, 130 scrolls; the Makara Sutra, 350 scrolls; the Lotus Sutra, 100 scrolls; the Yoga Sutra, 100 scrolls; the Precious Constant Sutra, 220 scrolls; the Western Heaven Discourse Sutra, 130 scrolls; the Sanghika Sutra, 157 scrolls; the Miscellaneous Sutras of the Buddha Land, 1950 scrolls; the Sutra of the Awakening of Faith, 1000 scrolls; the Great Wisdom Perfection Sutra, 1080 scrolls; the Precious Majesty Sutra, 1280 scrolls; the Original Pavilion Sutra, 850 scrolls; the Sutra of Right Vinaya Texts, 200 scrolls; the Great Peacock Sutra, 220 scrolls; the Vijnaptimatrata Sutra, 100 scrolls; and the Abhidharmakośa Sutra, 200 scrolls.

Ananda and Kasyapa led Tripitaka to view all the scripture names, then said to him, "Venerable Monk, you have come here from the Eastern Land. What 'gifts' have you brought for us? Quickly produce them, so we can transmit the scriptures to you." Tripitaka heard this and said, "Your disciple Xuanzang has traveled a long and distant road and has not prepared any gifts." The two venerable ones laughed and said, "Good, good, good! If scriptures are transmitted empty-handed through the generations, future generations will starve to death!" Wukong saw their evasive talk, unwilling to transmit the scriptures, and he couldn't help but shout, "Master, let's go report them to the Tathagata, and have him personally come and give the scriptures to Old Sun!" Ananda said, "Don't shout! What kind of place is this, that you dare to be so wild and rude? Come over here and receive the scriptures." Pigsy and Sandy endured their impatience, persuaded Wukong to calm down, and turned to receive the scriptures. Scroll by scroll, they packed them into their bags, loaded them onto the horse, and tied two more loads, which Pigsy and Sandy carried on their poles. Then they came before the precious throne, kowtowed to thank the Tathagata, and walked straight out of the door. Whenever they encountered a Buddha, they bowed twice; whenever they saw a Bodhisattva, they bowed twice. They reached the main gate, bowed to the monks and nuns, laywomen and laymen, bade farewell to each, and set off down the mountain road.

Now, on the treasure pavilion, there was an ancient Buddha named Dipankara. From the pavilion, he secretly listened to the transmission of the scriptures. He clearly understood that Ananda and Kasyapa had transmitted wordless scriptures. He then laughed to himself, saying, "The monks in the Eastern Land are foolish and deluded; they do not recognize wordless scriptures. Wouldn't the Venerable Monk's journey have been in vain?" He asked, "Who is here by my side?" And the White-eared Macaque Venerable stepped forward. The ancient Buddha commanded, "You must unleash your divine power, fly like a star, catch up with Tripitaka, snatch those wordless scriptures from him, and make him return to seek the true scriptures with words." The White-eared Macaque Venerable immediately rode a fierce wind, hurtled out beyond the mountain gate of Thunderclap Temple, and unleashed his divine power.

That gust of wind was truly a warrior before the Buddha, unlike the second of the eight winds. It roared from immortal orifices, far surpassing the boasting of young maidens. With this gust, fish and dragons lost their lairs, and rivers and seas churned with inverse waves. Dark apes found it difficult to offer fruit; yellow cranes returned to the clouds to seek old nests. The clear calls of crimson phoenixes sounded unpleasant; the crowing of pheasants became discordant. Green pine branches snapped, utpala flowers fluttered. Every green bamboo pole toppled, every golden lotus flower swayed. Bell sounds carried three thousand li afar; scripture chants lightly floated over ten thousand high valleys. Strange flowers beneath cliffs lost their beauty; jade-like grasses by the roadside bent their fresh sprouts. Colorful luan birds could hardly dance their wings; white deer hid in mountain cliffs. A boundless exotic fragrance permeated the universe; a clear wind penetrated the clouds.

As Elder Tang was traveling, he suddenly smelled a rolling fragrant wind, thinking it was an auspicious sign from the Buddha, and did not take precautions. Then he heard a sound, and a hand reached down from mid-air, gently snatching the scriptures carried by the horse. This frightened Tripitaka, who beat his chest and cried out. Pigsy tumbled to the ground and gave chase, Sandy guarded the scripture burdens, and Sun Wukong rushed off like a flash. The White-eared Macaque Venerable, seeing Wukong approaching rapidly, feared his staff might accidentally injure him, so he immediately smashed the scripture bags and threw them onto the dust. Wukong saw the scripture bags torn and scattered by the fragrant wind, so he lowered his cloud to attend to the scriptures and did not pursue further. The White-eared Macaque Venerable then gathered the wind and mist and reported back to the ancient Buddha.

Pigsy went to pursue, saw the scripture scrolls fall, then helped Wukong collect and carry them, and came to Tripitaka. Tripitaka, with tears in his eyes, said, "Oh, my disciples! Even in this Western Paradise, there are still wicked demons causing harm!" Sandy took the scattered scriptures he was holding, opened them to look, and found them blank, without a single character. He quickly handed them to Tripitaka, saying, "Master, this scroll has no words." Wukong opened another scroll to look, and it also had no words. Pigsy opened a scroll, and it too had no words. Tripitaka ordered, "Open them all and see." Every scroll was blank paper. The Elder sighed deeply, saying, "My Eastern Land people truly have no blessings! What use are these blank, wordless scrolls? How can I face the Tang Emperor? The crime of deceiving the emperor is indeed unforgivable!" Wukong, who already knew, said to Tripitaka, "Master, there's no need to say more. It's those fellows Ananda and Kasyapa. Because they asked for gifts and got none, they gave us these blank scrolls. Let's quickly go back and report them to the Tathagata, accusing them of extorting money and committing fraud!" Pigsy shouted, "Exactly, exactly! Let's go report them!" The four of them hurriedly returned up the mountain, not stopping, rushing back to Thunderclap Temple. In a short while, they arrived outside the mountain gate. Everyone greeted them with cupped hands, smiling, "Venerable Monk, have you come to exchange the scriptures?" Tripitaka nodded in thanks. The Vajra did not obstruct them, allowing them to enter, all the way to the Great Hero Hall. Wukong shouted, "Tathagata! My master and I have endured ten thousand stings and a thousand demons, a thousand hardships, making pilgrimages from the Eastern Land to this place. We received your command to transmit scriptures, but Ananda and Kasyapa, failing to extort money from us, colluded in fraud, deliberately giving us blank scrolls. What use are these to us? We beg the Tathagata to punish them!"

The Buddha laughed and said, "Do not shout. I am already aware that those two asked you for gifts. However, scriptures cannot be lightly transmitted, nor can they be obtained empty-handed. In the past, when the venerable monks descended the mountain, they once recited this scripture at the home of Elder Zhao in Sravasti. They ensured the safety of his living family members and the liberation of the deceased, but only received three dou and three sheng of golden grains of rice in return. I even said they sold it too cheaply, leaving no money for future generations. Now you have come empty-handed to retrieve them, which is why blank scrolls were given to you. The blank scrolls are the wordless true scriptures, which are also good. However, because the living beings in your Eastern Land are foolish and unenlightened, only these (with words) can be transmitted to them." He immediately called, "Ananda, Kasyapa, quickly select a few scrolls from each section of the true scriptures with words for them, and come here to report the count."

The two venerable ones again led the four to the treasure pavilion and once more asked Tripitaka for 'gifts'. Tripitaka had nothing to offer, so he immediately ordered Sandy to take out the purple-gold alms bowl. He presented it with both hands, saying, "Your disciple is truly poor and has traveled a long road, so I have not prepared any gifts. This alms bowl was personally bestowed by the Tang Emperor, who instructed your disciple to carry it and beg for alms along the way. I now specially present it as a small token of my regard. I earnestly hope that your venerable selves will not disdain or treat it lightly, and will accept it. When I return to court and report to the Tang Emperor, there will certainly be a generous reward. Just grant us the true scriptures with words, so as not to betray the emperor's intention and the toil of this distant journey." Ananda received it, but only smiled faintly. The strongmen guarding the treasure pavilion, the cooks overseeing the monastic kitchens, and the venerable ones watching the chambers—they began to playfully poke his face, pat his back, flick his fingers, twist his lips, all laughing, "No shame, no shame! Demanding gifts from the scripture-seeker!" In a moment, his face was wrinkled with shame, but he still held onto the alms bowl and wouldn't let go. Only then did Kasyapa enter the pavilion to select the scriptures, checking them one by one for Tripitaka. Tripitaka said, "Disciples, all of you, examine them carefully, lest it be like last time." The three of them took one scroll, looked at one scroll, and they all had words. Five thousand forty-eight scrolls were transmitted, which was the number for one Tripitaka collection. They neatly packed them and loaded them onto the horse, and the rest were made into a burden, which Pigsy carried. Sandy carried his own travel bags. Wukong led the horse, Tripitaka held his tin staff, adjusted his Vairocana hat, shook out his brocade kasaya, and then joyfully came before the Buddha Tathagata.

This truly captured the essence: The true scriptures of the Great Canon taste sweet, meticulously and strictly created by the Tathagata. One should know Xuanzang's suffering in climbing the mountain, but it's laughable that Ananda loved money. Previously, the lack of detail was due to the ancient Buddha, but later, with the true scriptures, peace was finally achieved. To this day, they are proudly transmitted to the Eastern Land, and all living beings are touched by their benevolent rain and dew.

Ananda and Kasyapa led Tripitaka to see the Tathagata. The Tathagata ascended his lotus throne and commanded the two great Arhats, Dragon-Subduing and Tiger-Taming, to strike the cloud chime, inviting all three thousand Buddhas, three thousand Gātis, eight Vajra, four Bodhisattvas, five hundred Arhats, eight hundred Bhikkhu monks, all laymen (Upāsaka), Bhikkhunī nuns, and laywomen (Upāsikā), from various heavens and caves, blessed lands and Spirit Mountains, great and small venerable and holy monks. Those who should sit were invited to their precious seats; those who should stand waited on both sides. For a time, heavenly music was heard afar, and immortal melodies resonated clearly. Auspicious light layered the air, and propitious aura abounded. All Buddhas gathered and paid respects to the Tathagata. The Tathagata asked, "Ananda, Kasyapa, how many scripture scrolls have you transmitted to them? Please report the count one by one." The two venerable ones immediately began to report: "Currently delivered to the Tang dynasty are 400 scrolls of the Nirvana Sutra, 360 scrolls of the Bodhisattva Sutra, 20 scrolls of the Akasagarbha Sutra, 30 scrolls of the Shurangama Sutra, 40 scrolls of the Great Collection Sutra of Benevolent Intent, 40 scrolls of the Sutra of Resolution, 20 scrolls of the Treasury Sutra, 81 scrolls of the Avatamsaka Sutra, 30 scrolls of the Sutra on Reverencing True Suchness, 600 scrolls of the Mahaprajnaparamita Sutra, 50 scrolls of the Golden Bright Light Sutra, 550 scrolls of the Unprecedented Sutra, 30 scrolls of the Vimalakirti Sutra, 42 scrolls of the Separate Sutra of the Three Treatises, 1 scroll of the Diamond Sutra, 20 scrolls of the Sutra of Right Dharma Discourses, 116 scrolls of the Sutra of the Buddha's Fundamental Conduct, 20 scrolls of the Five Dragons Sutra, 60 scrolls of the Bodhisattva Precepts Sutra, 30 scrolls of the Great Collection Sutra, 140 scrolls of the Makara Sutra, 10 scrolls of the Lotus Sutra, 30 scrolls of the Yoga Sutra, 170 scrolls of the Precious Constant Sutra, 30 scrolls of the Western Heaven Discourse Sutra, 110 scrolls of the Sanghika Sutra, 1638 scrolls of the Miscellaneous Sutras of the Buddha Land, 50 scrolls of the Sutra of the Awakening of Faith, 90 scrolls of the Great Wisdom Perfection Sutra, 140 scrolls of the Precious Majesty Sutra, 56 scrolls of the Original Pavilion Sutra, 10 scrolls of the Sutra of Right Vinaya Texts, 14 scrolls of the Great Peacock Sutra, 10 scrolls of the Vijnaptimatrata Sutra, and 10 scrolls of the Abhidharmakośa Sutra. In total, from the entire Tripitaka, thirty-five sections, five thousand and forty-eight scrolls have been selected from each section and transmitted to the venerable monk of the Eastern Land for permanent preservation in Tang. They are now all neatly packed and arranged on the people, horse, and burdens, awaiting only your grace."

Tripitaka and his four disciples tethered their horse, set down their burdens, and one by one, put their palms together, bowed their bodies, and prostrated themselves. The Tathagata said to Tripitaka, "The merit of these scriptures is immeasurable. Although they are the guide and mirror of my doctrine, they are truly the source of the Three Teachings. When you return to Jambudvipa and reveal them to all sentient beings, do not treat them lightly. Without bathing and observing precepts, one must not open the scrolls. Treasure and honor them! For within them are the profound mysteries of becoming an immortal and attaining the Dao, and the miraculous methods for revealing myriad transformations." Tripitaka kowtowed to express his gratitude, accepted and resolved to practice the teachings, and again prostrated himself three times before the Buddha, reverently accepting and sincerely departing with the scriptures. Upon reaching the Three Mountain Gate, he thanked each of the saints.

Only after the Tathagata had sent Tripitaka away did he dismiss the scripture transmission assembly. Guanyin Bodhisattva then stepped forward, put her palms together, and addressed the Buddha, saying, "Your disciple, in those years, received your golden decree to seek the scripture-seeker in the Eastern Land. Success has now been achieved, totaling fourteen years, or five thousand and forty days. This is still short by eight days, which does not complete the required number of trials. I hope, my World-Honored One, that you will soon grant the venerable monk to return to the East and then turn back to the West. This must be completed within eight days, so as to fulfill the full number of trials, and allow your disciple to return the golden decree." The Tathagata was greatly pleased and said, "What you say is very appropriate. I approve the return of the golden decree." He immediately called the Eight Great Vajra and commanded, "You all must quickly use your divine power to escort the venerable monk back to the East, ensure the true scriptures are transmitted, and then immediately guide the venerable monk back to the West. This must be done within eight days, to complete the full number of trials. Do not delay or disobey." The Vajra immediately caught up with Tripitaka and called out, "Scripture-seekers, follow me!" Tripitaka and the others all felt light and energetic, floating effortlessly, following the Vajra, and rising on clouds. This is truly: comprehending one's nature and enlightening one's mind to partake with the Buddha, with merits complete and deeds fulfilled, one immediately ascends. Ultimately, it is unknown how they will transmit the scriptures upon returning to the Eastern Land. To find out, let us listen to the next chapter's explanation.