VIAJE AL OESTE Las Aventuras del Rey Mono cap 8

Chapter 8: The Pursuit of Supreme Happiness

The Illusion of Constant Worry

• The Buddha emphasizes that a life filled with constant worries leads only to emptiness, old age, and death, akin to polishing stones or piling snow without purpose.

• Many young individuals fall prey to such blatant deceptions; the futility of trying to contain vastness is highlighted through metaphors like a feather attempting to drink the ocean.

Understanding Enlightenment

• Those who achieve enlightenment rise above the cycles of reincarnation, while those who do not strive for it remain trapped in various forms of existence.

• The text suggests that understanding the origins of existence allows one to witness profound truths symbolized by treasures and mythical beings.

Arrival at the Thunder Monastery

• Upon returning from an audience with the Jade Emperor, Tathagata is welcomed by numerous Buddhas and Bodhisattvas adorned with valuable offerings.

• Tathagata shares insights gained from studying wisdom across three realms, concluding that all existence lacks inherent consistency.

The Nature of Existence

• He explains that no being possesses an isolated nature; characteristics like origin and mortality are universal among living entities.

• A discussion arises about a rebellious monkey causing chaos in heaven; Tathagata describes its immense power and how celestial warriors struggled against it.

Confronting Chaos

• Despite attempts to subdue this powerful monkey, it was ultimately captured through clever means rather than brute force.

• After capturing the monkey, Tathagata receives honors from the Jade Emperor, leading to a celestial banquet attended by many immortals.

Peaceful Existence in Paradise

• A serene atmosphere enveloped Tian Chu as mystical creatures engage harmoniously within their realm devoid of suffering or time constraints.

• In this blessed world, beings practice silence and experience true joy without birth or death; seasons have no impact on their existence.

Final Reflections on Time

Celebration of the Blessed

Offering of Flowers and Fruits

• The speaker reflects on a millennium that has passed, marking the 15th day of the first month of autumn with an offering filled with over 100 types of exotic flowers and a thousand strange fruits. This is presented as a humble offering to celebrate the Feast of the Blessed.

• As a sign of respect, all present bow three times before Buddha, acknowledging his presence and significance.

Poems Offered to Buddha

• Nanda is asked to distribute the flowers and fruits among those present, symbolizing gratitude towards Buddha. The Blessed then recite poems celebrating various virtues: blessings, wealth, and longevity.

• The poem about blessings emphasizes that true happiness comes from virtuous living, which remains constant like the sky's vastness. It suggests that blessings are abundant in the world due to these virtues.

Themes in Poetry

• The poem on wealth describes how it surpasses mountains in value and brings peace; it highlights that true riches are limitless and desired by many nations. Wealth is portrayed as both a blessing and a responsibility for those who possess it.

• Longevity is celebrated through another poem which states that life-giving light emanates from Buddha, reflecting divine qualities in nature's beauty—symbolized by fresh buds adorning lotus trunks. This connection between nature and spirituality underscores life's sacredness.

Teachings from Buddha

• After receiving poems from bodhisattvas (enlightened beings), Buddha shares profound teachings about morality across different continents, noting significant variations among inhabitants' behaviors based on their regions: Purvavideha (East), Uttarakuru (North), Aparagodaniya (West), and Jambudvipa (South). Each region exhibits distinct moral characteristics influencing their way of life.

• He observes that while some regions exhibit peacefulness or control over instincts, others struggle with vices such as lust or conflict—highlighting humanity's diverse moral landscape influenced by geography. This leads into discussions about sacred texts capable of guiding individuals toward virtue regardless of their background or location.

Sacred Texts for Guidance

• Buddha mentions possessing three baskets of scriptures aimed at promoting virtuous living: Vinaya (rules for monastic discipline), Abhidharma (philosophical teachings), and Sutras (texts containing essential doctrines). These texts collectively encourage truth cultivation leading to ultimate happiness—a universal aspiration across cultures.

• He expresses concern regarding people in Eastern lands who mock spiritual truths; thus he seeks someone morally equipped to journey there for enlightenment dissemination—emphasizing commitment required for spiritual growth amidst challenges faced along this path.

Call for Volunteers

• A bodhisattva steps forward despite feeling unworthy; she offers herself willingly to undertake this mission eastward—to find an authentic believer willing to embrace sacrifice for greater good—demonstrating courage rooted in humility amid daunting tasks ahead.

This moment signifies not only personal dedication but also collective responsibility within spiritual communities aiming towards enlightenment through shared efforts against adversity encountered during such journeys.

The scene concludes with admiration from other Buddhas recognizing her noble intentions marked by wisdom reflected through her appearance adorned with symbols representing purity alongside strength derived from knowledge gained through practice over time spent learning under guidance received throughout her journey thus far.

The Journey of the Bodhisattva

The Description of the Bodhisattva

• The bodhisattva is depicted with a flowing silk robe, adorned with jade buttons that enhance her beauty, reminiscent of a phoenix feather.

• She holds an immaculate vase from which nectar flows continuously, symbolizing her compassion and ability to alleviate suffering.

• Residing on the slopes of Mount Tha, she responds promptly to those in need, showcasing her deep empathy for the afflicted.

The Mission and Preparation

• Tatag expresses confidence in the bodhisattva's abilities for an important journey; he believes she is uniquely qualified for this mission.

• The bodhisattva receives advice on maintaining a safe altitude during her travels to ensure clarity in navigation and distance calculation.

• Tatag provides five talismans and instructs on their specific uses to aid her during the perilous journey ahead.

Magical Items and Their Uses

• Three magical scales are given to the bodhisattva, each requiring different incantations for effective use against potential threats encountered along her path.

• Instructions include using one scale to convince any magical creature of its wrongdoings by inflicting pain if it resists becoming a disciple.

Companionship and Protection

• Uyan is assigned as a protector for the bodhisattva; he carries a heavy iron bar as a symbol of his commitment to safeguard her throughout the journey.

• Grateful for Uyan’s loyalty, the goddess gifts him a branch of willow before she begins her descent down the mountain.

The Start of Her Journey

• As she embarks on her quest, she reflects on fulfilling Buda's promise while navigating through various terrains towards sacred scriptures.

• Upon reaching Yuchen Temple, she meets an immortal who questions when help will arrive; she estimates it may take two or three years before assistance comes.

Challenges Ahead

• During flight over difficult terrain, including wide rivers that pose significant challenges for any chosen individual seeking scriptures.

• The bodhisattva contemplates who might be capable enough to undertake such an arduous task amidst treacherous conditions.

The Terrifying River and the Encounter with the Monster

Description of the River

• The river stretches immensely from the east to sandy shores, connecting barbarian kingdoms in the west and reaching lands of Ui in the south, while approaching Tartar nations in the north. Its width exceeds 800 miles, with a length spanning several thousand more.

• Water flows violently through its course, reminiscent of a tremendous upheaval; at certain points, its current is so fierce that waves resemble mountains struggling to rise.

• The sound produced by this torrent can be heard from many kilometers away, indicating its ferocity; even divine vessels would struggle to cross it. Nature seems to acknowledge its destructive power as only lifeless grass stems float along its path.

The Scene by the River

• As wild geese and monkeys avoid the area due to danger, only some wild herbs with reddish flowers grow sporadically near water lilies amidst perilous surroundings. A bodhisattva observes this unsettling spectacle when suddenly a violent splash occurs.

Appearance of the Monster

• An awful monster emerges from the water, described as having a fierce blackish-green face and an oddly proportioned body; its eyes glow like embers while its mouth resembles a bloodied basin. This creature's hair is disheveled and red-tinted, evoking death's chill. It roars menacingly like thunder while moving swiftly towards the bodhisattva with a club-like weapon in hand.

Confrontation Between Moxa and the Monster

• Fortunately, Moxa intervenes brandishing an iron bar and commands the beast to stop; both engage in combat symbolizing justice versus raw power as they move agilely along riverbanks amidst chaos created by their clash. The battle intensifies until darkness envelops them under twinkling stars while fog settles over land without clear boundaries.

Dialogue During Battle

Encounter with the Monster

The Monster's Lament

• The monster expresses its suffering from cold and hunger, revealing a desperate need to prey on travelers for survival.

• It reflects on its past sins, acknowledging that it has only compounded its offenses rather than seeking redemption.

A Proposal for Redemption

• The monster is offered a chance at redemption by the bodhisattva, who suggests it accompany a chosen disciple to collect sacred scriptures.

• Despite feeling unworthy due to its past actions of consuming many seekers of scriptures, the monster shows interest in changing its ways.

Transformation and Acceptance

• The bodhisattva instructs the monster to wear the heads of its victims as a reminder and grants it a new name, Sha Chin, symbolizing its entry into enlightenment.

• After this encounter, the monster vows never to kill again and awaits the arrival of the scripture seeker.

The Fierce Battle

Encountering Another Monster

• As they journey onward, Moxa and the bodhisattva face another fearsome creature with grotesque features and formidable weapons.

• This new adversary wields a trident resembling a dragon's claw and possesses an intimidating presence that even gods would fear.

Clash of Powers

• A fierce battle ensues between Moxa and the monstrous foe; both display incredible skill as they engage in combat.

• Moxa challenges the monster’s arrogance while wielding his iron bar against the invincible trident.

Divine Intervention

• The intensity of their fight creates chaos that terrifies both gods and demons alike; their struggle is described as one of historical significance.

• Amidst this turmoil, flowers are dropped from above by Hangin, which momentarily halts their fierce confrontation.

Recognition of Power

Encounter with the Beast and the Path to Redemption

The Beast's Plea for Guidance

• The beast, referred to as a monster, acknowledges its past misdeeds and seeks guidance from Moxa regarding a powerful entity that can save it from calamities.

• Moxa points out the location of this entity, prompting the beast to humbly request an introduction, demonstrating its desire for redemption.

The Monster's Backstory

• The creature reveals its identity as the Ancient Marshal of Celestial Reeds, explaining how it was punished by the Emperor of Jade for past indiscretions involving drunkenness and flirtation with the Moon Goddess.

• It recounts its transformation into a wild boar after losing its way during reincarnation, leading to a life of consuming others out of desperation.

Confession and Regret

• The beast expresses remorse over its actions and asks Moxa about the mountain they are on, indicating a longing for understanding and connection.

• Moxa admonishes the beast for its crimes against living beings while emphasizing that such actions cannot go unpunished.

Philosophical Insights on Virtue

• The beast argues that adhering to moral codes may lead to suffering; however, Moxa counters with wisdom about virtue leading to sustenance and health.

• A proverb is shared by Moxa suggesting that good intentions will be rewarded by heaven, encouraging the beast towards righteousness.

Transformation Through Acceptance

• Despite feeling unworthy due to past offenses, the beast shows willingness to follow Moxa’s path if it means forgiveness and relief from current afflictions.

• After receiving teachings from Moxa and being named Chuunen, the beast commits itself to Buddhism, adopting vegetarianism in anticipation of meeting a sacred traveler.

New Challenges Ahead

• Following their encounter with another creature in distress—a young dragon—the narrative shifts focus as they prepare for new adventures in seeking help within celestial realms.

• The dragon shares his plight regarding punishment from his father due to disobedience, setting up further developments in their quest.

Dragon's Journey and Redemption

The Dragon's Plea for Mercy

• A dragon, suspended in the sky, requests mercy from the celestial beings instead of facing execution. He offers himself as a means of transport for a pilgrim he is destined to find.

• The Jade Emperor grants the dragon clemency, instructing the celestial sentinels to release him and hand him over to Bodhisattva Juanin.

Transformation and Mission

• The young dragon is tasked with transforming into a white horse when the pilgrim arrives, aiding him on his journey to the Western Paradise.

• Moxa expresses excitement upon seeing a magnificent place believed to be the Mountain of Five Phases, recognizing it as where the great sage was imprisoned.

Reflection on Past Actions

• Bodhisattva recites a poem reflecting on past mistakes made by an impious monkey who disrupted a festival and caused chaos among celestial soldiers.

• The poem questions when this being will return from imprisonment to experience freedom again.

Encounter with the Great Sage

• The Great Sage hears verses about his past errors and inquires about their author. Bodhisattva descends from her perch out of curiosity.

• Upon meeting her, celestial guardians respectfully escort Bodhisattva to where the Great Sage is confined in a stone box that allows speech but restricts movement.

Dialogue Between Bodhisattva and Sage

• The Great Sage recognizes Bodhisattva Juanin and expresses gratitude for her visit after years of isolation.

• He reveals his long confinement under orders from Buddha while she explains her mission to retrieve scriptures from someone willing to help.

Seeking Redemption

• The Great Sage pleads for compassion, acknowledging his past sins but expressing a desire for redemption through religious practice.

• Despite understanding his plea, Bodhisattva warns that releasing him might lead back to old habits; however, he insists he has learned penitence.

New Beginnings

• Inspired by their conversation, Bodhisattva shares wisdom about virtue receiving just responses while injustice meets opposition. She promises freedom if he proves sincere in his intentions.

• If he commits himself as a disciple dedicated to Buddhist teachings, she assures him that he will be liberated upon meeting the right person seeking scriptures.

Acceptance of Faith

• The Great Sage agrees enthusiastically to embrace this new path. He acknowledges having already adopted a religious name: Sanum.

• After accepting Buddhism and becoming enlightened, both Moxa and Bodhisattva continue their journey eastward towards Chang'an.

Arrival in Chang'an

Encounter at the Local Temple

Arrival and Initial Reactions

• Upon passing through a street, the characters encountered the local Temple of the Spirit. The demons guarding the doors were alarmed and prostrated themselves on the ground, respectfully welcoming them by bowing their foreheads to the ground.

Notification to Deities

• The local spirit hurried to inform the guardian god of the city and other deities from nearby temples about their presence. Once they learned who had arrived, they rushed in a group to pay their respects, apologizing for their delay in receiving them.

Message from Buda

• The Bodhisattva (referred to as "bodis sadba") responded graciously, forgiving them for their tardiness but instructing that none should reveal her presence in the city. She explained that she was there on a direct order from Buddha to find someone willing to collect sacred scriptures.

Duration of Stay