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Chapter 13: The Liberation of the Golden Star in the Tiger's Den

Journey Begins

• The powerful Emperor of the Song publicly commissions Suan Sang to seek the sources of Zen, willing to traverse great distances, including crossing over 10,000 mountains.

• On the 12th day of the ninth month in the third year of Chenan, Tripitaka is sent off from Chang'an by the emperor and officials; he embarks on his journey westward with faith as his only guide.

Arrival at Monastery

• Upon reaching the Law Gate Monastery, Tripitaka is welcomed by a guardian and 500 resident monks who offer him tea and a vegetarian dinner.

• As night falls, while wild ducks return home, monks begin reciting prayers that last deep into the night; discussions arise about traveling to Western Paradise for more scriptures.

Discussions Among Monks

• Some monks express concerns about long journeys filled with rivers and high mountains; others mention dangers posed by tigers and leopards.

• A third group warns of unscalable mountain ranges while imaginative monks speak of monsters no one has conquered. Tripitaka remains silent but gestures towards his heart.

Tripitaka's Resolve

• Tripitaka explains that when thoughts are active, destruction reigns; inactivity fosters life. He vows to reach Western Paradise to meet Buddha and secure scriptures for their kingdom.

• His declaration earns admiration from fellow monks who praise his loyalty and bravery as they accompany him until he retires for sleep.

Departure Preparations

• City guardians announce moonset through bamboo pipes; roosters herald dawn as many monks prepare breakfast. Suan Sang prays earnestly for guidance on his quest for scriptures.

• He promises to burn incense at every monastery visited along his journey in exchange for divine guidance toward achieving his goal.

Setting Off Westward

• After prayer, Tripitaka takes food before bidding farewell to weeping monks who accompany him several kilometers before parting ways.

• It is late autumn; trees are bare except for some red leaves. Few travelers brave muddy paths as snow begins covering reeds.

Challenges Along the Way

• Ducks struggle to find their nests amid threatening landscapes covered in frost and ice while swallows migrate urgently elsewhere.

• After days of travel, Tripitaka arrives in Kun Chou where local authorities insist he stay overnight before continuing on provisions gathered.

Reception at Fuyuan Monastery

Journey Begins and Encounters with Monsters

Departure and Initial Challenges

• The companions, aware of their master's desire to continue the journey quickly, fed the horses to avoid delays.

• They set off early in the morning, despite it being late autumn when roosters crow later than usual. The landscape was frosty under a bright moon.

• After traveling 20 to 30 km, they encountered a daunting mountain range that posed significant challenges for crossing.

Encountering Danger

• As they searched for a passage through the mountains, all three fell into a deep pit, terrified by voices shouting threats against them.

• A fierce monster king appeared above them; his terrifying appearance included sharp teeth and an intimidating presence that instilled fear.

Captivity and New Characters

• Tripitaka felt paralyzed with fear as the monster king ordered them to be tied up. The ogres complied without hesitation.

• Just before they were about to be devoured, two new characters arrived: the Bear Lord of the Mountain and the Hermit Ox.

Descriptions of New Characters

• The Bear Lord was described as strong enough to part seas and had an intelligence that allowed him to predict winter's approach.

• The Hermit Ox was characterized by his impressive horns and gentle demeanor; he was known for helping humans with farming tasks.

Conversations Among Monsters

• The Bear Lord complimented the Monster King on his enduring strength while expressing surprise at their long absence from each other.

• Amidst laughter, discussions turned towards how Tripitaka's companions ended up in danger; there was confusion over their arrival without invitation.

Grim Dinner Plans

• The Hermit Ox humorously suggested serving Tripitaka’s companions for dinner; this idea was met with agreement from both monsters.

• As preparations began for a gruesome meal, Tripitaka experienced sheer terror but remained resolute about his mission despite feeling like he was in a nightmare.

Conclusion of Encounter

• With dawn approaching, both monsters sat until fully light outside before bidding farewell to their host after acknowledging his hospitality.

Rescue and Revelation

Encounter with the Elder

• Tripitaka expresses gratitude for being saved, revealing that his companions have been devoured by monsters.

• The elder points out that both Tripitaka's horse and supplies are unharmed, prompting Tripitaka to inquire about their location.

• The elder explains they are in a dangerous area known as the Cordillera de la doble bifurcación, filled with tigers and wolves.

The Dangers of the Journey

• Tripitaka recounts how his companions were eaten by fierce beasts during the night while he was spared due to his pure nature.

• The elder offers to guide Tripitaka safely, acknowledging his virtuous character which protected him from harm.

A Mysterious Departure

• After securing his horse, Tripitaka wishes to express further thanks but finds the elder has vanished.

• A gentle breeze brings a note from Venus, assuring him of divine support throughout his noble mission.

Struggles on the Path

• As he continues alone through harsh weather conditions, Tripitaka feels increasingly anxious amidst an empty landscape devoid of human presence.

• Despite the beauty of nature around him, hunger intensifies and fatigue sets in as he climbs higher into treacherous terrain.

Confrontation with Beasts

• Two ferocious tigers block Tripitaka's path while snakes slither menacingly behind him; he turns to heavenly protection for help.

• His exhausted horse collapses under him, leaving them vulnerable as danger looms closer.

Arrival of a Heroic Figure

• Just as peril seems imminent, a man armed with a trident appears and frightens away the beasts threatening Tripitaka.

Encounter in the Mountains: A Tale of Survival and Courage

Introduction to Liu Punin

• Liu Punin introduces himself as a hunter known as the "Guardian of the Mountain," emphasizing his inability to harm others. He is on a quest for food when he unexpectedly encounters Tripitaka.

Tripitaka's Journey

• Tripitaka, a humble monk, reveals his mission to reach the Western Paradise in search of Buddha's scriptures, commissioned by the Tang Emperor. He describes being surrounded by wild animals that hindered his progress.

The Bond Between Hunter and Monk

• Liu reassures Tripitaka that he has nothing to fear due to his reputation among wild beasts. They share a common allegiance to the Tang Empire, leading Liu to offer shelter for the night.

The Encounter with Danger

• As they ascend a steep slope, an ominous wind prompts Liu to halt and instruct Tripitaka to stay still. This moment heightens tension as they sense danger lurking nearby.

The Fierce Battle with the Tiger

• An enormous tiger appears, fleeing at first but then confronting Liu. The battle showcases both combatants' agility and ferocity, with Tripitaka paralyzed by fear witnessing this violent clash.

Triumph Over Adversity

• After an intense struggle lasting about an hour, Liu finally pierces the tiger’s heart with his trident. This victory is marked by bloodshed but also signifies survival against formidable odds.

Reflection on Victory and Gratitude

• With triumph in hand, Liu expresses relief over their good fortune while acknowledging that this kill will provide sustenance for them both. Tripitaka praises him as a "God of the Mountain."

Preparing for Sustenance

• Despite modesty regarding his title, Liu prepares to skin the tiger for food while ensuring that Tripitaka is not left hungry after their ordeal.

Arrival at a Hidden Village

• They arrive at a picturesque mountain village adorned with wild vines and ancient trees. The beauty of nature contrasts sharply with their earlier struggles.

Conclusion: Nature's Beauty Amidst Struggle

Arrival and Hospitality

Encounter at the Door

• The scene opens with Pu Chin arriving home, dropping a dead tiger, and calling out to see if anyone is present.

• Several servants, described as meager and unpleasant, come forward to take the tiger inside at Pu Chin's command.

Invitation to Tripitaka

• Pu Chin invites Tripitaka to stay in his home; Tripitaka expresses gratitude for being saved from danger.

• Tripitaka insists on honoring Pu Chin’s mother by offering her the seat of honor, but she insists he remains seated as their guest.

Family Dynamics

• Pu Chin explains that Tripitaka is on a journey to find Buddhist scriptures at the emperor's request.

• The elderly woman expresses joy over Tripitaka's visit coinciding with the anniversary of her husband's death, suggesting he preside over a memorial service.

Culinary Challenges

Dinner Preparations

• As night falls, preparations for dinner begin with various dishes made from tiger meat being served.

• Tripitaka reveals he has never eaten meat due to his monastic vows, creating tension regarding hospitality.

Dietary Concerns

• Despite efforts to accommodate him with vegetarian options, Pu Chin acknowledges that all food is cooked with animal fat.

• Tripitaka reassures them that he can endure hunger rather than break his dietary restrictions.

Compassionate Solutions

Vegetarian Meal Preparation

• An elderly woman takes charge of preparing a vegetarian dish for Tripitaka despite skepticism about sourcing ingredients.

• She prepares a simple soup using rice and vegetables while assuring it is pure and clean for their guest.

Cultural Respect

• As they serve dinner, there’s an awkward moment when Pu Chin realizes Tripitaka is reciting a prayer before eating.

Evening Reflections

Post-Dinner Activities

• After dinner concludes, servants clear the table while Pu Chin leads Tripitaka outside into a shed filled with hunting equipment.

Unpleasant Surroundings

Ceremonial Practices and Spiritual Revelations

The Garden and the Presence of Deer

• Tripitaka observes a vast garden filled with golden chrysanthemums and crimson maple trees, where deer appear unexpectedly without fear.

• Punin explains that people in Chang'an accumulate wealth to face an uncertain future, while hunters do the same with wild animals.

Evening Rituals and Offerings

• After preparing a vegetarian feast, Tripitaka begins ceremonial practices by washing his hands and burning incense in the ancestral hall.

• He recites purification formulas for mouth, mind, and body before embarking on sutras aimed at saving the deceased.

The Impact of Prayer

• As night falls, offerings are made alongside incense to various deities; this concludes the Buddhist ceremony.

• That night, Poin's father appears in dreams to express gratitude for his release from torment due to Tripitaka's prayers.

Family Dreams and Shared Experiences

• Upon waking, Poin’s wife shares her dream about his father's return and his message of thanks towards Tripitaka for alleviating his suffering.

• Both Poin and Punin reveal they had similar dreams about their father's reencarnation into a noble family.

Gratitude Towards Tripitaka

• The family rushes to thank Tripitaka after hearing their mother's dream about their father’s gratitude for being freed from hellish torment.

• They express their appreciation but are met with Tripitaka's humility as he declines monetary gifts in favor of companionship on his journey.

Preparing for Departure

• Despite rejecting money, Tripitaka accepts food prepared by Poin’s family as they prepare him for travel.

The Guardian's Reluctance to Proceed

The Guardian's Hesitation

• The guardian pauses at a steep part of the mountain, indicating he cannot accompany Tripitaka any further. He expresses concern about the dangers that lie ahead.

• Tripitaka pleads with the guardian to continue, showing his anxiety and fear about proceeding alone into unknown territory dominated by hostile forces.

• The guardian explains that he is not allowed to cross the border due to territorial divisions between the Tang and Tartars, emphasizing his inability to protect Tripitaka from potential threats like tigers and wolves.

Emotional Tension

• As the reality of their separation sets in, Tripitaka becomes overwhelmed with fear, grabbing onto the guardian’s sleeves and crying openly, highlighting his vulnerability in this moment.