VIAJE AL OESTE Las Aventuras del Rey Mono cap 16

Monks and the Quest for Treasure

Arrival at the Monastery

• The story begins with monks from the Quing monastery attempting to seize a treasure, while a monster steals a cloak on Black Wind Mountain. They soon arrive at an unexpected building, which turns out to be a monastery with towers.

• The entrance is adorned with colorful clouds competing against reddish mists surrounding the Hall of Five Blessings, symbolizing tranquility amidst nature's beauty.

• The serene environment includes bamboo and pine trees representing virtue, alongside cypress groves that reflect purity through their delicate hues.

Description of the Temple

• The temple is nestled in lush greenery akin to Jetavana, showcasing its sacredness where monks practice perfection. Tripitaka expresses his gratitude for arriving at such a holy place.

• Upon dismounting, Tripitaka encounters a monk dressed in clean robes who greets him warmly and invites them inside for tea.

Interaction with the Monk

• Tripitaka introduces himself and explains their journey towards Thunder Temple in search of Buddha's scriptures. He requests lodging for the night.

• The monk agrees but becomes startled upon noticing Tripitaka’s disciple, suggesting caution due to his irritable nature.

Entering the Monastery

• Despite initial apprehension about Tripitaka's disciple being "horrific," they proceed into the monastery where inscriptions welcome them.

• Tripitaka reflects on receiving blessings from Bodhisattva during their travels and feels fortunate to have reached this sacred site.

Ritual Practices

• Inside, as Tripitaka prays fervently before a golden statue, he performs traditional rituals while accompanied by sounds of drums and bells played by both monks and his disciple.

• His disciple continues ringing the bell even after prayers conclude, adhering to a proverb about dedication in monastic life.

Reaction from Other Monks

• Other monks grow anxious over the incessant bell ringing; they question who is causing such disturbance.

• When confronted humorously by his disciple claiming lineage as “the grandfather,” it leads to confusion among other monks who eventually recognize Tripitaka’s authority.

Hospitality Offered

• After calming fears, they are invited by the monastery guardian to enjoy tea in an orderly manner reflecting respect within their community.

Arrival of the Venerable Monk

Description of the Elderly Monk

• The scene opens with the arrival of a venerable monk, described as extremely old and frail, supported by younger monks. He wears a distinctive hat adorned with a topaz and an intricately embroidered robe made from gold threads and kingfisher feathers. His cane is encrusted with precious stones, complementing his delicate shoes.

Physical Appearance and Age

• The monk's face is heavily wrinkled, resembling that of an ancient witch, yet his eyes retain a lively spark reminiscent of the Dragon King from the Eastern Ocean. Despite his advanced age, he struggles to see clearly due to his physical condition.

Respectful Greetings

• Upon seeing him, all present monks express their respect. Tripitaka greets him respectfully by bowing, which the elder returns as best as he can before taking a seat. He mentions welcoming two monks who have just arrived from Losan.

Discussion on Travel Distance

Inquiry About Journey Length

• The elderly monk inquires about the distance traveled by Tripitaka to reach their sanctuary after leaving Chandan city. Tripitaka responds that he journeyed approximately 2,000 km to reach the mountain at the borders where he met his disciple and continued traveling through Western barbarian lands for another 2,500–2,600 km over two months before arriving at their location.

Reflection on Achievements

• The elder monk reflects on this extensive travel distance (around 5,000 km) with humility, stating that he has never ventured beyond the monastery gates in his life and likens himself to "a piece of dry wood." This highlights his limited experiences compared to Tripitaka's adventures.

Age Revelation

Curiosity About Age

• Tripitaka curiously asks about the monk's age; in response, the elder humorously claims to be 270 years old. This prompts Tripitaka to remark that such an age could make him a descendant from many generations back but is cautioned against making light remarks towards someone deserving respect.

Tea Ceremony

Serving Tea

• The elderly monk orders tea served immediately after some light banter regarding ages; young attendants bring out exquisite tea sets featuring white jade trays and beautifully crafted cups filled with aromatic tea stronger than camellia buds and more fragrant than cassia flowers. This moment emphasizes cultural hospitality and luxury within their setting.

Humble Responses

• As Tripitaka admires these luxurious items, the elder downplays their significance by suggesting they are not worthy of praise compared to treasures seen in great nations' courts; he expresses humility despite possessing fine items within their humble abode.

Discussion on Treasures

Value Comparison

• When asked if he brought anything valuable from East lands for display, Tripitaka shakes his head regretfully claiming no valuables were carried due to travel constraints; however, one of them points out a splendid tunic seen earlier in Tripitaka’s possession which could rival any treasure displayed here.

Lighthearted Banter Among Monks

• This comment leads other monks into laughter while highlighting cultural differences regarding wealth perception—wherein they possess numerous similar garments without considering them treasures themselves.

Invitation for Display

• A suggestion arises for displaying these garments for guests’ admiration; thus begins preparations involving opening storage chests containing numerous robes showcasing intricate embroidery made from high-quality silk adorned with gold threads—a testament to craftsmanship over centuries.

Examination of Garments

• As garments are displayed around them using taut ropes for hanging purposes ensuring visibility—Tripitaka inspects each piece closely noting quality but ultimately dismisses them lightly indicating it’s time for them (the travelers) to share something valuable too amidst friendly competition over possessions.

Caution Against Competition

• In private conversation between Tripitaka and his companion (the pilgrim), caution is advised against competing based on material wealth since both are merely travelers far away from home—suggesting deeper philosophical reflections on value beyond material possessions amidst camaraderie among monks gathered there.

The Enigmatic Túnica: A Tale of Desire and Virtue

The Encounter with the Túnica

• The discussion revolves around the need for caution when desiring something powerful, as recklessness can lead to dire consequences. The speaker emphasizes that one should never expose themselves to danger unnecessarily.

• Upon unveiling a sacred tunic, it radiates a light reminiscent of dawn, captivating all present. This moment signifies the beginning of an extraordinary revelation.

• The tunic is described as magnificent, adorned with unique pearls from Buddha's treasure and crafted from exquisite silk and gold embroidery. Its beauty leaves the monks in awe, unable to articulate their feelings.

Powers of the Túnica

• It possesses extraordinary powers; anyone who wears it can vanquish spirits and demons effortlessly. This divine creation was intended for virtuous individuals, highlighting its significance.

• An elderly monk expresses his envy upon seeing the tunic's perfection, lamenting his failing eyesight as a barrier to appreciating its beauty fully.

Seeking Solutions

• Tripitaka suggests bringing torches for better visibility but acknowledges that the brilliance of the gems would be overwhelming for the old monk’s eyes.

• The elder monk proposes studying the tunic privately overnight in exchange for returning it before Tripitaka's journey continues. His desire reflects deep yearning for understanding its beauty.

Conflict and Resolution

• Tripitaka reluctantly agrees after being scolded by his companion about fearing potential mishaps. He entrusts the tunic to the elder monk under strict conditions regarding its care.

• The elder monk orders preparations for breakfast early next day so that they may continue their journey without delay after enjoying this rare opportunity.

Emotional Turmoil

• Alone with the tunic, the elder monk weeps uncontrollably, indicating profound emotional turmoil over possessing such a treasure yet feeling unworthy of it.

• Concerned disciples inquire about his tears; he reveals he cannot bear looking at such beauty without feeling inadequate due to his age and life choices.

Reflections on Life Choices

• Despite acknowledging a peaceful life in monasticism, he yearns deeply to possess this tunic, believing that not achieving this desire would render his existence meaningless.

• Disciples suggest extending their guests' stay so that he may enjoy wearing it longer; however, he feels time spent with such beauty would still be fleeting compared to eternity.

Monks' Conspiracy and the Plan to Eliminate Threats

The Initial Plan

• The monk Tang and his disciple discuss a plan to eliminate their sleeping adversaries, who are unaware of the monks' intentions. They believe it will be easy to deal with them while they rest in the Great Hall.

• A pact of silence is proposed among the monks to ensure that no one outside their group learns about their actions, emphasizing secrecy as a key component of their strategy.

• An elder monk praises the plan as brilliant, suggesting that they gather weapons for execution despite some dissent from another monk named Grandes Designios, who expresses concerns about its effectiveness.

Concerns and Alternative Strategies

• Grandes Designios raises doubts about killing one adversary easily but warns that failing to do so could lead to dire consequences for the monks themselves. He proposes an alternative approach that avoids direct violence.

• His plan involves gathering all monks under the pretense of community benefit, leading them to contribute firewood for a fire intended to destroy the Zen hall while making it appear accidental. This would absolve them of guilt if any brothers perish in the flames.

Execution of the Plan

• The other monks enthusiastically agree with this new plan, believing it surpasses previous ideas in terms of safety and effectiveness. They quickly set out to collect firewood around the hall where their enemies rest.

• Unbeknownst to them, Tripitaka (the monk Tang) and his disciple remain oblivious inside, while many other monks hastily gather wood without realizing they are partaking in a dangerous scheme against innocent lives.

Discovery by an Unexpected Observer

• Meanwhile, Tripitaka's disciple notices unusual activity outside; he suspects something nefarious is happening due to the commotion among the monks collecting wood around their resting place. He contemplates intervening but fears angering his master if he resorts to violence instead of cleverness.

• Transforming into a bee for stealth, he investigates further and discovers that they intend to set fire around him and his master for malicious purposes—confirming his worst fears about their intentions against him and Tripitaka.

Seeking Help Against Betrayal

• Realizing he must act wisely rather than violently, he decides on a more cunning approach rather than confronting them directly or alerting his master too soon about potential danger posed by fellow monks planning harm against them. He seeks assistance from Virupa regarding protection against this treachery instead of resorting immediately to aggression himself.

This structured summary captures key discussions surrounding deception among monks plotting harm while highlighting critical moments when characters grapple with moral dilemmas between violence versus cunning strategies amidst betrayal threats within sacred spaces.

The Fire and the Monk's Robe

The Urgency of Action

• A character, referred to as "El de Baraja," argues that instead of seeking water to extinguish a fire threatening a master, one should prioritize finding a blanket to protect the monk.

• The protagonist, known as "El Peregrino," insists on his plan despite skepticism from El de Baraja, emphasizing that saving only the monk is his priority.

The Escalation of Flames

• El Peregrino quickly descends with the blanket and covers the monk while also protecting other belongings before heading to the roof for further protection.

• He performs a magical incantation that conjures a powerful wind, causing flames to grow uncontrollably and creating an enormous fire visible for miles.

Destruction Unleashed

• The intensity of the fire transforms it into a destructive force reminiscent of historical calamities, overwhelming everything in its path.

• As flames rise 8000 feet high, they create chaos akin to battle sounds; even sacred images are consumed by the inferno.

Chaos Among Monks

• Monks frantically attempt to salvage their possessions amidst rising panic; however, most items are lost in what becomes an immense bonfire illuminating the night sky.

• Nearby creatures notice this strange glow and suspect something catastrophic has occurred at the temple.

A New Perspective on Wealth

• A mountain monster observes from afar and initially misinterprets the light as dawn but soon realizes it's due to a raging fire at Hanging Temple.

• Upon arriving at the scene, he discovers someone manipulating flames rather than attempting to extinguish them. He finds a valuable robe amidst chaos but chooses not to help put out the fire.

Aftermath and Reflection

• Following extensive destruction lasting until dawn, monks search through ashes for valuables while others try building makeshift shelters.

Invitation to the Palace

The Pilgrim's Refusal

• The character from the card invites the pilgrim to stay at his palace, but the pilgrim declines, stating he cannot afford to waste time on idle conversations.

• The pilgrim expresses a sense of duty towards protecting Monk Tang and indicates that he has no free time for leisure.

Transformation and Arrival

• Upon returning, the pilgrim transforms into a bee to enter unnoticed into the building.

• He finds Monk Tang still asleep and urges him to wake up as it is already daytime.

Desolation After Fire

Discovery of Destruction

• Monk Tang is shocked by the desolate state surrounding them; only some walls remain standing after a fire.

• The pilgrim explains that an incident occurred overnight, leading to this destruction.

Responsibility for Protection

• Monk Tang questions why the pilgrim did not extinguish other buildings if he had protective powers.

• The pilgrim reveals that he chose not to intervene with others because they were malicious in their actions.

Accusations and Justifications

Blame Game

• Monk Tang suspects that perhaps the pilgrim himself started the fire out of revenge for past grievances.

• The pilgrim defends himself, asserting that he does not engage in such atrocities and emphasizes that it was indeed others who caused this catastrophe.

Philosophical Reflection

• The discussion touches on ancient wisdom regarding harm; if one does not provoke danger (like playing with fire), they will not face consequences (like being harmed).

The Search for Belongings

Tension Over Lost Items

• Monk Tang demands assurance about his tunic’s safety amidst rising tensions over potential losses due to the fire.

• As they leave, monks mistake them for spirits due to their appearance and express fear over supposed vengeance.

Clarification of Intentions

• The pilgrim clarifies their intentions are simply to reclaim what belongs to them rather than seeking revenge against innocent people.

Tragic Outcomes

Loss of Life

• Despite efforts from monks, they find that an elder monk could not locate Monk Tang's tunic due to overwhelming guilt from recent events.

• In despair, this elder monk takes his own life by striking his head against a wall, highlighting themes of regret and loss within their community.

Final Reflections

The Search for the Stolen Robe

The Accusation and Investigation

• The pilgrim confronts the monks, accusing them of stealing a robe and demanding a complete list of their names for verification.

• A total of 230 names are compiled by the monks, including various ranks within the monastery, but the robe is not found during the search.

• Tripitaka expresses his frustration towards the pilgrim, who begins to recite a spell that causes distress to a monkey character, leading to pleas for mercy.

Desperation and Blame

• The monks plead with Tripitaka to stop his torment on the monkey; they claim ignorance about the robe's whereabouts and blame a deceased demon for its disappearance.

• They recount how a fire broke out due to this demon's actions, which led to chaos as they tried to extinguish it without knowledge of where the robe might be.

Pursuit of Answers

• The pilgrim searches through the patriarch's quarters but finds no trace of the treasure. He remains determined despite setbacks.

• After some contemplation, he inquires about any nearby monsters that could have taken the robe; he learns about a black mountain housing a powerful spirit.

Speculation on Theft

• The guardian informs that this mountain is approximately 6 or 7 km away. The pilgrim suspects that this monster may have stolen Tripitaka’s robe amidst last night's chaos.

• He argues that such an enormous fire would have been visible from afar, suggesting that it was likely seen by this monster who took advantage of it.

Preparations for Confrontation

• Tripitaka worries about leaving his safety in question while searching for answers; however, the pilgrim reassures him regarding protection measures.

• He instructs monks on how to care for Tripitaka and his horse while threatening consequences if they fail in their duties during his absence.

Journey Towards Resolution

• As tensions rise among monks witnessing displays of strength from the pilgrim, they assure him they will take good care of Tripitaka.