A poem says:
In the Zhenguan reign , the thirteenth year arrived, The king commanded the masses to discuss the sutras. The sacred site opened, expounding boundless Dharma , Clouds and mists rode upon the great vow's shrine. Imperial decrees bestowed grace to build a holy temple, The Golden Cicada cast off its shell to journey westward. Spreading virtuous fruits to save the drowned and lost, Upholding the faith, proclaiming the past and future.
On the third day of the ninth month of the year Jisi, the thirteenth year of the Zhenguan reign, a most auspicious day, the great Dharma Master Chen Xuanzang gathered twelve hundred eminent monks at the Temple of Transformation in Chang'an to lecture on various exquisite Buddhist sutras. After concluding his morning court, Emperor Taizong of Tang, accompanied by his civil and military officials, rode in his phoenix-decorated carriage and dragon chariot , leaving the Golden Throne Hall and proceeding directly to the Temple of Transformation to offer incense and pray.
How magnificent was the emperor's procession? Truly: auspicious vapors swirled all around, and ten thousand beams of holy light shimmered. Gentle spring breezes drifted softly, and the warm sunlight shone especially bright. Civil and military officials, adorned with jade pendants, arranged themselves in proper order; the banners of the five guard divisions unfurled on both sides. Guards holding golden melons and raising battle-axes stood in neat pairs; crimson gauze lanterns and imperial incense burners emitted curling smoke, solemn and majestic. Like dragons soaring and phoenixes dancing, like ospreys flying high and eagles spreading their wings. The sage emperor sat upright in his carriage, loyal ministers accompanied him on all sides. Such benevolence could surpass that of Yao and Shun for a thousand years; such peace could exceed their reign for ten thousand generations. Behold the curved-handled umbrella and the dragon-embroidered robe , their radiance reflecting each other; the jade-linked rings and the colorful phoenix fans , auspicious vapors wafting in the air. Officials wore pearl crowns and jade belts , purple ribbons and golden badges . Thousands of troops guarded the procession, and generals supporting the carriage formed two rows. This emperor, with a heart full of devotion, revered the Buddha , embraced virtuous fruits, and came joyfully to offer incense.
The emperor's procession soon arrived before the temple. He ordered the music and ceremonial regalia to stop, descended from his carriage, and led the officials in bowing to the Buddha and offering incense. After circling three times, he looked up and saw a truly majestic sacred site—
Streamers fluttered in the wind, jeweled canopies shone with brilliance. As the streamers fluttered, streaks of colorful clouds swayed in the sky; as the jeweled canopies gleamed, they reflected the sunlight, and patches of red light pierced through. The golden Buddha statue appeared solemn, the jade Arhat statues stood dignified and imposing. Vases held celestial flowers , incense burners contained sandalwood . The celestial flowers in the vases filled the temple with radiant splendor; the sandalwood smoke from the burners rose in curling wisps to the clouds. Fresh fruits were arranged on red-lacquered plates; exotic sugar pastries were piled on patterned food stands. High monks chanted the true sutras in orderly rows, hoping to liberate lonely souls from their suffering.
Emperor Taizong and his civil and military officials each offered incense, bowed before the golden Buddha, and then paid respects to the Arhats. At this time, the Great Dharma Master Chen Xuanzang led the monks in orderly rows to pay homage to Emperor Taizong. After the rituals were completed, everyone took their seats according to rank. Dharma Master Xuanzang presented to Emperor Taizong a proclamation for liberating lonely souls, which read:
The supreme virtue is profound and unfathomable; the true essence of the Chan school is pure and tranquil. The pure and spiritual Dharma flows through the Three Realms. It can undergo a thousand transformations and control the principles of yin and yang. Its substance and function are eternally real, without end. Seeing those lonely souls, we truly ought to pity them. Now, by the sacred command of Emperor Taizong of Tang, we gather the monks to meditate and expound the Dharma. We open wide the gate of convenience, broadly practice acts of compassion, and universally ferry the beings of the sea of suffering, freeing them from the torments of the Six Paths of Reincarnation. We guide all beings back to the right path, awakening them to the origin of the universe; let their actions follow nature, preserving their pure essence. By virtue of this good opportunity, we seek blessings from the celestial realm; through this grand assembly, we escape the prison of hell. May they soon ascend to the blissful realm of Ultimate Bliss, free and at ease, and forever journey to the Pure Land of the West , following their hearts' desires.
A poem says:
A censer of eternal life incense was lit, Several scrolls of liberation sutras were chanted. Boundless wonderful Dharma was widely proclaimed, Endless heavenly grace bathed all beings. All grievances and sins were completely eliminated, Lonely souls could all escape from hell. May this protect our dynasty's peace and stability, And let all under heaven enjoy happiness in tranquility.
After reading the proclamation, Emperor Taizong was filled with joy. He said to the monks, "You all harbor sincere devotion—do not be negligent in your Buddhist duties. When the Dharma assembly is successfully concluded, each of you will receive your due blessings. I will surely reward you generously and will not let your efforts go in vain." The twelve hundred monks kowtowed in gratitude. After the three meals of the day were finished, Emperor Taizong returned to the palace, having agreed to return and offer incense on the seventh day of the formal assembly. As dusk fell, the officials also withdrew.
The evening scene was especially serene: the vast sky retained a faint trace of the setting sun's glow, and a few crows returning to their nests reluctantly descended from the tall towers. The city's lights gradually brightened, the sounds of people gradually quieted—this was the time for monks to sit in meditation and cultivate themselves.
One night passed. The next morning, Dharma Master Xuanzang again ascended the platform and gathered the monks to chant sutras. Of this, we will say no more for now.
Now, the Bodhisattva Guanyin of Mount Potalaka in the Southern Sea, having received the Buddha's decree, had been searching for a virtuous person in Chang'an to undertake the pilgrimage for the scriptures. After a long time, she had yet to encounter one of true virtue. Suddenly, she heard that Emperor Taizong was promoting good deeds, selecting eminent monks to hold a Great Assembly of Land and Water . She also learned that the leader of the assembly was the monk Jiangliu'er —the very son of Buddha who had descended into the world from the Land of Ultimate Bliss , and the elder whom she herself had guided into his mother's womb years ago. The Bodhisattva was overjoyed. So, carrying the treasures bestowed by the Tathagata Buddha , she came to the great streets of Chang'an and, together with Moksha , pretended to sell them.
What treasures did the Bodhisattva bring? There was a precious brocade kasaya robe of extraordinary gems, a nine-ringed monastic staff , and three headbands—the Golden Band, the Tight Band, and the Forbidden Band . She hid the headbands away for future use, showing only the kasaya and the staff for sale.
In the city of Chang'an, there were some ordinary monks who had not been selected for the assembly and had a few coins in their pockets. Seeing the Bodhisattva transformed into a scabies-ridden monk, wearing a tattered robe, barefoot and shaven-headed, holding a kasaya that gleamed with light, they approached and asked, "Leprous monk, how much is your kasaya?"
The Bodhisattva said, "The kasaya is worth five thousand taels of silver, and the staff is worth two thousand taels."
Those monks laughed and said, "These two leprous monks are mad! They're fools! These two coarse items, and they dare to ask for seven thousand taels? Unless wearing this kasaya can grant immortality or allow one to become a Buddha or a Patriarch, it's not worth that much money! Take them away! You'll never sell them!"
The Bodhisattva did not argue with them but continued walking with Moksha.
After walking for a long time, they arrived before the East Flowery Gate, where they happened to encounter Prime Minister Xiao Yu returning from court. His attendants shouted loudly to clear the way. The Bodhisattva, however, did not step aside but stood in the middle of the street, holding the kasaya, and walked straight toward Xiao Yu. Xiao Yu reined in his horse to look and saw that the kasaya was dazzlingly bright. He ordered his men to ask the seller how much he wanted for it.
The Bodhisattva said, "The kasaya is five thousand taels, and the staff is two thousand taels."
Xiao Yu said, "What virtues do these two items possess to be worth such a high price?"
The Bodhisattva said, "This kasaya has its good points and its bad points; there are times when it demands money, and times when it does not."
Xiao Yu said, "What are the good points? What are the bad points?"
The Bodhisattva said, "Wearing my kasaya, one will not sink into depravity, will not fall into hell, will not encounter evil and poisonous calamities, and will not meet harm from tigers and wolves. These are the good points. But if one is a foolish monk who covets pleasure and delights in evil, a monk who does not keep the precepts, an ordinary person who slanders the sutras and blasphemes the Buddha, they will never even have the chance to see my kasaya. These are the bad points."
Xiao Yu then asked, "What does it mean when it demands money and when it does not?"
The Bodhisattva said, "For those who do not uphold the Dharma, do not revere the Three Jewels of the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha, and try to force a purchase of the kasaya and staff, I will definitely sell them for seven thousand taels. That is when it demands money. But for those who revere the Three Jewels, rejoice in goodness, take refuge in the Buddha, and are worthy of receiving these treasures, I am willing to give away the kasaya and staff for free, forming a good karmic bond with them. That is when it does not demand money."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Yu was even more delighted. He knew this was a monk of great virtue. He immediately dismounted, greeted him with proper ceremony, and said, "Great Dharma Elder, please forgive Xiao Yu's rudeness. Our Emperor of the Great Tang is deeply devoted to goodness, and all the officials in the court also practice good deeds. We are currently holding the Great Assembly of Land and Water. This kasaya would be perfect for the Great Dharma Master Chen Xuanzang to wear. Allow me to accompany you into the court to see His Majesty."
The Bodhisattva gladly agreed and turned to enter the East Flowery Gate with Xiao Yu. The eunuch in charge of the gate went in to announce them. After the report, Emperor Taizong issued a decree summoning them to the hall. Xiao Yu led the two "scabies-ridden monks" to stand below the steps. Emperor Taizong asked, "Xiao Yu, what do you wish to report?"
Xiao Yu knelt before the steps and said, "Your subject was leaving the East Flowery Gate when he chanced upon two monks selling a kasaya and a monastic staff. Your subject thought that Dharma Master Xuanzang could use these two treasures, so he has brought these monks to pay homage to Your Majesty."
Emperor Taizong was overjoyed and asked the price of the kasaya. The Bodhisattva and Moksha stood below the steps without bowing. Upon hearing the question, she replied, "The kasaya is five thousand taels, and the staff is two thousand taels."
Emperor Taizong said, "What virtues does this kasaya possess to be worth so much money?"
The Bodhisattva said, "This kasaya—if a dragon wears a single thread of it, it can escape the calamity of being devoured by the roc. If a crane hangs a single strand of it, it can obtain the wonder of transcending the mundane and becoming a sage. When one sits, ten thousand spirits pay homage; when one moves, seven Buddhas accompany and protect them."
"This kasaya was woven from silk drawn from ice silkworms and crafted by skilled artisans into threads. Celestial maidens wove it, and divine women made it. Every square inch is embroidered with flowers, every patch is piled with brocade. Delicate crack patterns are adorned with ornamental flowers, bright and colorful, shining with jeweled light. When worn, a red mist surrounds the entire body; when taken off, a patch of colorful clouds dances. It can reveal its primordial light beyond the gates of the Three Heavens, and it can produce the vapors of treasures on the Five Sacred Mountains. The kasaya is heavily inlaid with Western lotus patterns, and star patterns are brightly studded upon it. The four corners have night-shining pearls, and the center of the top has a single emerald. Although it cannot fully reveal its original essence, it still gleams with the gathered splendor of eight treasures."
"This kasaya, when folded and stored, emits rainbow light through a thousand layers of wrapping. When worn by a sage, it startles all spirits and ghosts. Upon it are the Wish-Fulfilling Pearl, the Mani Pearl, the Dust-Dispelling Pearl, the Wind-Stilling Pearl, as well as red agate, purple coral, night-shining pearls, and relics. It is as white as stolen moonlight, as if vying with the sun for red radiance. Strands of celestial vapors fill the air, and clusters of holy light surround the sage. The strands of celestial vapors can penetrate the Heavenly Pass; the clusters of holy light can illuminate the entire world. When shining on mountains and rivers, they startle tigers and leopards; when reflecting on seas and islands, they startle fish and dragons. The edges are connected by two golden locks, and the collar is linked by a ring of white jade."
A poem says:
The Three Jewels are majestic, the Dao can be revered, The Four Births and Six Paths are all discussed. Illuminating the mind can nurture the Dharma of humans and heavens, Seeing one's true nature can transmit the lamp of wisdom. Protecting the body, majestic like a golden world, The mind and body pure, like a jade ice vessel. Since the Buddha made this kasaya, Through countless kalpas, who would dare to harm a monk?
Upon hearing this in the jeweled hall, Emperor Taizong was greatly delighted. He asked further, "Monk, what virtues does the nine-ringed monastic staff possess?"
The Bodhisattva said, "My monastic staff is a nine-linked ring made of copper inlaid with iron, crafted from nine joints of immortal rattan, capable of preserving one's youthful appearance forever. Held in the hand, it ignores the world's haggardness and hardship; descending from a high mountain, it lightly brings white clouds back with it. The Maha Patriarch once leaned on it to wander through the Heavenly Palace; Luobo once leaned on it to break through the gates of hell to find his mother. It does not stain itself with a speck of worldly dust; it gladly accompanies the divine monk to ascend the Jade Mountain of the Western Heaven."
After hearing this, Emperor Taizong immediately ordered the kasaya to be unfolded. He examined it closely from beginning to end and saw that it was indeed a treasure. He said, "Great Dharma Elder, to tell you the truth: I am now vigorously promoting the good teachings and widely planting fields of blessings. I have gathered many eminent monks at the Temple of Transformation to expound the Dharma. Among them is a Dharma master of profound virtue, whose Dharma name is Xuanzang. I wish to purchase these two treasures from you and bestow them upon him for his use. What price do you actually demand?"
Upon hearing this, the Bodhisattva, together with Moksha, pressed their palms together in reverence, chanted the Buddha's name, bowed, and said, "Since it is a Dharma master of profound virtue, I, a poor monk, am willing to give them to him as a gift and will absolutely not accept any money." Having said this, they turned and prepared to leave.
Emperor Taizong quickly ordered Xiao Yu to stop them. He himself stood up from his throne and asked, "You originally said the kasaya was five thousand taels and the staff was two thousand taels. Now that I wish to buy them, you refuse the money. Are you implying that I, relying on my position as emperor, am trying to take your possessions by force? That is absolutely not the case! I will pay you the full price as agreed. Please do not refuse."
The Bodhisattva raised her hand and said, "I, a poor monk, made a vow earlier: if I encounter someone who reveres the Three Jewels, rejoices in goodness, and takes refuge in the Buddha, I will not take money but willingly give the treasures as a gift. Now I see that Your Majesty is enlightened and devoted to goodness, revering the Buddhist faith. Moreover, the eminent monk is virtuous and virtuous, propagating the great Dharma. It is only fitting that I offer these treasures. I will absolutely not take any money. I wish to leave these treasures here and take my leave."
Seeing her sincere attitude, Emperor Taizong was very pleased. He ordered the Court of Imperial Entertainments to prepare a sumptuous vegetarian feast to repay her. The Bodhisattva firmly declined and departed calmly, returning to the City God Temple to conceal herself. Of this, we will say no more for now.
It is said that Emperor Taizong convened the noon court and ordered Wei Zheng to take an imperial decree and summon Xuanzang to the court. At that time, Xuanzang was gathering the monks, ascending the platform, and chanting sutras and verses. As soon as he heard of the imperial decree, he immediately descended from the platform, straightened his robe and cap, and followed Wei Zheng to see the emperor.
Emperor Taizong said, "Dharma Master, you have labored hard to promote good deeds, and I have nothing to reward you with. This morning, Xiao Yu encountered two monks who were willing to offer a precious brocade kasaya of extraordinary gems and a nine-ringed monastic staff. I have specially summoned you, Dharma Master, to receive these two treasures for your use."
Xuanzang kowtowed in gratitude. The emperor said further, "Dharma Master, if you do not mind, put on the kasaya and hold the staff, and let me see you."
Xuanzang then shook open the kasaya, draped it over his shoulders, took the monastic staff in hand, and stood respectfully before the steps. All the sovereign and his ministers were filled with joy. Truly, he was worthy of being the son of Buddha from beneath the Tathagata's throne. Behold him:
His dignified countenance was elegant and refined; the Buddha's robe fit him as if tailor-made. Its brilliant radiance filled heaven and earth; its gathered splendor condensed the universe. Bright pearls were arranged in rows above and below; layers of golden threads ran front and back. The edges were bordered with brocade on all four sides; ten thousand rare wonders adorned the embroidered silk. Eight treasures decorated the buttons and cords; a golden ring bound the collar, fastened with a velvet clasp. The Buddhas of the heavens, great and small, were ranked high and low; the stars, noble and base, were divided left and right. Dharma Master Xuanzang was most fortunate; this treasure was worthy of him. He looked just like a living Arhat from the Land of Ultimate Bliss, surpassing the true enlightened ones of the Western Paradise. The staff clinked with its nine rings; his Vairocana hat was richly adorned. Truly, he was a son of Buddha, no empty rumor; he surpassed even Bodhi, without falsehood.
At that time, the civil and military officials below the steps cheered in unison. Emperor Taizong was beside himself with joy. He immediately ordered Xuanzang to wear the kasaya and hold the precious staff. He also bestowed upon him two processional teams and commanded the officials to escort him out of the court gates, allowing him to parade down the main street back to the temple, just like a new Zhuangyuan parading through the streets after winning the imperial examination.
Xuanzang again bowed in thanks for the imperial favor. He proceeded majestically and steadily along the great streets of Chang'an. The merchants, noble scions, scholars, and common folk—men and women alike—all scrambled to watch and praise him, saying, "What a Dharma Master! Truly a living Arhat descended to earth, a living Bodhisattva come to the world!"
Xuanzang continued on his way to the Temple of Transformation. The monks had already descended from their meditation platforms to welcome him. Seeing him adorned with the kasaya and holding the staff, they all thought the Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha had arrived. One by one, they came forward to pay homage and bow, standing in attendance on his left and right. Xuanzang ascended the main hall, burned incense and paid respects to the Buddha, then recounted the emperor's sacred grace to the assembled monks. Afterward, everyone returned to their meditation seats. Unnoticed, the red sun had already sunk in the west. Truly:
The sun set, mist veiled the grass and trees; the capital's bells and drums first sounded. Three clear chimes halted the footsteps of men; the front and back streets fell silent. The holy temple blazed with brilliant lights; the lonely village was cold and soundless. The Chan monks entered meditation to study the remaining sutras, just the time to subdue demons and cultivate their nature.
Time flew like an arrow, and soon the seventh day of the formal assembly arrived. Xuanzang again submitted a memorial, requesting the emperor to come and offer incense. By this time, the fame of the virtuous assembly had spread throughout the land. Emperor Taizong immediately arranged his procession and, leading his civil and military officials, empresses, consorts, and imperial relatives, hastened to the Temple of Transformation early. The people of the entire city, young and old, noble and humble, also came to the temple to hear the Dharma.
At this time, the Bodhisattva Guanyin said to Moksha, "Today is the main day of the Great Assembly of Land and Water. From the first day to the seventh, the assembly should be reaching its critical moment. Let us mingle with the crowd: first, to see how this assembly is progressing; second, to see if the Golden Cicada is blessed enough to wear the treasures I gave him; and third, to hear which school of Dharma he is expounding."
The two then entered the temple. Truly, a destined meeting with an old acquaintance had come; the Prajna Dharma would ultimately return to its original abode. Upon entering the temple, they saw that the Great Tang was indeed a celestial dynasty. Its scene far surpassed the Saha World and was even more magnificent than the Jetavana Garden and Shravasti. It was no less than those famous Buddhist monasteries. The temple was filled with the melodious sounds of celestial music and the continuous chanting of Buddha's names.
The Bodhisattva Guanyin walked directly to the side of the Many Treasures Platform and saw the Dharma Master Xuanzang, the reincarnation of the Wise Golden Cicada. A poem says:
All phenomena were clear and bright, without a speck of dust; The great Xuanzang sat upon the lofty platform. Liberated lonely souls arrived in the darkness; Those who came to hear the Dharma gathered from the market. Giving alms according to opportunity, the path of the mind was far; Birth and death came as they pleased, the gate of the treasury opened. He looked upon the assembly and expounded the boundless Dharma; Old and young alike, all released their joy.
Another poem says:
Wandering through the Dharma realm within the lecture hall, He encountered an old acquaintance, not of the common world. They spoke of the countless affairs of the present, And also discussed the many merits accumulated over kalpas of dust. The Dharma clouds spread, covering all the peaks; The net of teachings was cast, filling the vast sky. Inspecting all beings, guiding them to good thoughts, A rain of red flowers fell from heaven in profusion.
Dharma Master Xuanzang, on the high platform, first chanted the Sutra of Receiving Life and Liberating the Dead, then lectured for a while on the Celestial Talisman for Pacifying the State, and then expounded the Scroll of Encouraging Cultivation. The Bodhisattva Guanyin stepped forward, struck the Many Treasures Platform, and called out in a loud voice, "You monk! You only know how to lecture on the 'Lesser Vehicle Teachings.' Do you know how to lecture on the 'Greater Vehicle Teachings'?"
Hearing this, Xuanzang was overjoyed. He turned over and leaped down from the high platform, bowed to the Bodhisattva with clasped hands, and said, "Venerable Master, your disciple was just now disrespectful and has offended you greatly. All the monks present here are lecturing on the 'Lesser Vehicle Teachings.' Your disciple does not yet know what the 'Greater Vehicle Teachings' are like."
The Bodhisattva said, "Your Lesser Vehicle Teachings cannot liberate the souls of the dead to ascend to heaven; they can only allow people to go along with worldly customs. I possess the three collections of the Greater Vehicle Dharma, which can liberate the souls of the dead to ascend to heaven, free those in suffering from the sea of bitterness, cultivate the body to achieve immortality, and reach the state of neither coming nor going."
Just as she was speaking, the officer in charge of incense quickly reported to Emperor Taizong: "The Dharma Master was expounding the exquisite Dharma when he was pulled down from the platform by two leprous itinerant monks who are babbling nonsense and disrupting the sutra hall."
Emperor Taizong ordered the two to be arrested. Soon, the monks pushed and shoved the two monks into the rear Dharma hall. When they saw the emperor, the two monks neither raised their hands in greeting nor knelt down. They lifted their heads and asked, "Your Majesty, why have you summoned us?"
Emperor Taizong recognized them and said, "Are you not the monks who gave away the kasaya a few days ago?"
The Bodhisattva said, "Indeed, we are."
Emperor Taizong said, "Since you have come here to listen to the Dharma, it would have been fine to eat some vegetarian food. Why do you harass my Dharma Master, disrupt the sutra hall, and delay the Buddhist services?"
The Bodhisattva said, "Your Dharma Master lectures on the Lesser Vehicle Teachings, which cannot liberate the souls of the dead to ascend to heaven. I possess the three collections of the Greater Vehicle Dharma, which can liberate the dead, free them from suffering, and allow one to cultivate an immortal body."
Emperor Taizong's expression became solemn. He asked with delight, "Where is your Greater Vehicle Dharma?"
The Bodhisattva said, "At the Great Thunderclap Temple in the Heavenly Kingdom of the Western Paradise, where my Buddha the Tathagata resides. This Dharma can untie all knots of enmity and eliminate all unforeseen calamities."
Emperor Taizong said, "Do you still remember this Dharma?"
The Bodhisattva said, "I remember it."
Emperor Taizong was overjoyed and said, "Quickly let the Dharma Master lead you to the platform to begin lecturing on the Greater Vehicle Dharma!"
The Bodhisattva, leading Moksha, flew up to the high platform. Then, stepping on auspicious clouds, she ascended to the nine heavens, revealing her true form as the Savior of Suffering, holding her pure vase and willow branch. On her left stood Moksha Huian, holding an iron staff, his spirit high and vigorous.
Seeing this, Emperor Taizong was so delighted that he knelt and worshipped the heavens. The civil and military officials also knelt to the ground and burned incense. All the monks, nuns, Taoists, commoners, and merchants in the temple, without exception, knelt and prayed, crying out, "Good Bodhisattva! Good Bodhisattva!"
There is a poem to prove this. Behold the Bodhisattva:
Auspicious vapors scattered in profusion; holy light protected the Dharma body. In the vast rivers of the nine heavens, the true woman appeared. On her head, the Bodhisattva wore a crown of golden leaves, emerald flowers, emitting golden light, giving rise to auspicious vapors, adorned with dangling pearl tassels. She wore a robe of pale color, lightly made, embroidered with golden dragons and flying phoenixes, a plain blue robe tied with a sash. On her chest hung a pair of bright moon pendants, dancing in the clear breeze, studded with various precious pearls and gathered emerald jade, a fragrant ring of ornaments. Around her waist was tied a brocade velvet skirt made of ice silkworm silk, woven with golden edges, stepping on colorful clouds, hastening to the Jasper Sea. Before her, she led a white parrot with jade-colored feathers and a red beak, which flew across the Eastern Sea, wandered through the world, grateful for kindness and filial piety. In her hand, she held a precious vase for bestowing grace and saving the world, and in the vase was inserted a willow branch that sprinkled water to clear the blue sky, dispel great evil, and sweep away remnants of mist. Jade rings pierced the embroidered buttons; golden lotuses were deep beneath her feet. She was permitted to come and go through the Three Heavens. This was indeed the Guanyin who saves the suffering and rescues the distressed.
Emperor Taizong was so happy he forgot his empire and state. The civil and military officials forgot their courtly rituals. Everyone chanted, "Namo Guanshiyin Bodhisattva." Emperor Taizong immediately issued a decree for a skilled painter to paint the true likeness of the Bodhisattva. As soon as the decree was given, the painter Wu Daozi—the very one who would later paint the portraits of meritorious officials in the Lingyan Pavilion—was selected for his skill in painting divine images. He immediately unrolled his brush and painted the true form of the Bodhisattva.
The Bodhisattva, riding on the auspicious clouds, gradually departed. In the blink of an eye, the golden light disappeared. Then, from midair, a slip of paper fell with a "drip-drop" sound. On it were a few verses, written clearly:
Salutations to the Lord of the Great Tang, There are wondrous scriptures in the West. The journey is one hundred and eight thousand miles; Offer the Greater Vehicle with diligence. If these scriptures return to the upper kingdom, They can liberate the dead from the crowd. If there is one willing to go, Let him seek the true fruit of the golden body.
After seeing the verses, Emperor Taizong immediately commanded the monks, "Temporarily halt the assembly. Wait until I send someone to retrieve the Greater Vehicle Buddhist scriptures, and then we will sincerely rebuild our virtuous deeds." All the officials obeyed the decree.
Emperor Taizong then asked in the temple, "Who is willing to receive my decree and go to the Western Heaven to worship the Buddha and seek the scriptures?"
As soon as the words were spoken, Dharma Master Xuanzang stepped forward from the side, bowed to Emperor Taizong, and said, "I, a poor monk, though unworthy, am willing to exert my utmost strength to seek the true scriptures for Your Majesty, praying for the eternal stability of our Great Tang's empire."
Emperor Taizong was overjoyed. He stepped forward and helped Xuanzang up with his hands, saying, "Dharma Master, if you can truly fulfill this loyal and virtuous intention, unafraid of the long journey and the hardships of mountains and rivers, I am willing to become your sworn brother."
Xuanzang kowtowed in gratitude. The emperor was indeed a man of great virtue. Right there before the Buddha's image in the temple, he bowed four times to Xuanzang and addressed him as "Imperial Brother, Holy Monk."
Xuanzang was filled with gratitude beyond measure. He said, "Your Majesty, I, a poor monk, possess neither virtue nor ability. How dare I presume to receive such great favor from Your Majesty? On this journey, I will surely sacrifice myself and exert every effort, going straight to the Western Heaven. If I cannot reach the Western Heaven or retrieve the true scriptures, I would rather die than return to my homeland, and I willingly fall forever into hell." Having said this, he offered incense and made a vow before the Buddha's image.
Emperor Taizong was greatly pleased. He immediately ordered a return to the palace, promising to issue the travel documents as soon as an auspicious day was selected and to send Xuanzang on his way. The emperor then returned to the palace, and everyone else dispersed.
Xuanzang returned to the Temple of Great Blessing. The monks of the temple and several of his disciples had already heard of his intention to go and seek the scriptures. They all came to see him and asked, "Master, you have vowed to go to the Western Heaven to seek the scriptures. Is it true?"
Xuanzang said, "It is true."
His disciples said, "Master, people often say the road to the Western Heaven is long and dangerous, with many tigers, leopards, and demons along the way. We fear you may never return and that your life may be in jeopardy."
Xuanzang said, "I have already made a great vow. If I cannot obtain the true scriptures, I will fall forever into hell. Moreover, I have received the emperor's grace and cannot fail to be loyal and repay my country. This journey is indeed fraught with uncertainty, and good fortune and misfortune are hard to predict." He added, "Disciples, after I leave, perhaps in two or three years, perhaps in five or seven, if you see the branches of the pine tree at the temple gate turn toward the east, that means I have returned. Otherwise, I will never come back." The disciples committed these words firmly to memory.
"The next morning, Emperor Taizong held court, summoned his civil and military officials, and prepared the travel documents for seeking the scriptures, stamped with the imperial seal. The Imperial Astronomer reported," but Sanzang now understood the meaning of the emperor's gesture of placing earth in his wine; after thanking the emperor once more, he drained the cup, bid farewell to the assembled officials, and departed through the pass. Emperor Taizong then returned to his palace in his carriage. But as to what Sanzang would encounter on this journey, you must listen to the next chapter to find out.