Journey to the West - Chapter 23 Part 1

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0:16 Details are in the descriptions. Thank you. Journey to the West. An audio drama series. Chapter 23, Part 1. This chapter is all about how one's path to the Scriptures cannot be separated from the way one attends to foundational moral instructions. We speak of the Master and His disciples, all four of them, who are enlightened to what is true. Thus unbound from the locks of mortal dust, ever since they escaped the flowing sand of the vast sea of nature, they became unburdened and thereby headed down the main road towards the West.

1:01 Having travelled through emerald mountains and green waters and witnessed never ending wild grass and blossoms, they indeed saw time flying by, and before long it was the season of autumn. Look as Maple leaves paint the hills red, as insects lazily sing their longings, plants wither on water and land, and only a handful of geese were left dotting the faraway skies. As they were walking, it soon got dark. San Zhang asked Disciples, it is getting late again. Where shall we rest?

1:33 Singja answered. Master, that's the wrong thing to say. People who are out of the family feed on wind and live by water. We lie down under the moon and sleep on frost. Anywhere can be home to us. And you are asking where we shall rest? Why is that? Djubatia complained. Oh, Big Brother, all you know is that you can run on life steps.

1:55 Since when have you ever cared about someone else's heavy load? Ever since we crossed the flowing Sand River, with all this mountain hiking and valley climbing while carrying a heavy burden, I've been having a really hard time. We've got to find a family to 1st beg for some food and then regain our strength. That's the way to go, Sinjar said. Fool, the way you said it had a hint of complaint in it. I'm afraid you can no longer live like how you did back in the old GAO village, where you had the freedom to slack off and not struggle for a good life.

2:26 Since you have committed to the Buddhist religion, you have to suffer in order to be a disciple, Bhatia said. Big Brother, have you even seen how heavy the sluggage is? Singjo replied, Brother, since we had you and Shamrock come along, I have not carried it at all. How would I know how heavy it is?

2:45 Bazia said. Oh Big Brother, just count the things here. 4 pieces of yellow bamboo mats with eight ropes of various links. We must beware of ring as well, adding several layers of felt on top, Worried that the flat pole might become slippery. Nails were added on both ends. Made from copper and iron is the night ringed staff and of bamboo and vine is a huge Cape. Imagine having this much luggage and expect old ball here to carry it around all day long.

3:15 Only you can call yourself Master's disciple for I am treated as his long term labourer. Sinjar laughed and said Fool, who are you even talking to? Bhatia said. Big Brother I am talking to you. Sinjar replied, You were wrong to talk to me. Elderson only cares about what goes on with master. You and Shamrock are responsible for the luggage and horse.

3:38 Should you slack even a little bit, your ankle will first get a taste of the thick rot. But he said, Oh, Big Brother, talk no more of violence. To get violent is to bully by force. I know you're the proud and arrogant kind. There is no way you will carry it. But look at the horse that Master rides on. It's so tall and plump, but it only carries the old monk on its back.

4:01 Let him take a few pieces as a token of brotherly love, Sinto explained. And you think he's just a horse? He is no mortal horse. He is the son of Alrund, Dragon King of the West Sea, known as Third Prince the Dragon Horse. It was all because he set the palace pearls on fire that his father sued him for disobedience.

4:23 Accused of breaking heavenly laws, he was lucky to have Guanyin Bodizapua save his life. He was sent to the Steep Ego's Grief Stream, where he waited for Master for a long time. He yoded to Bodizatua, paying a personal visit to shed his scales and horse, removed the Pearl from under his neck and turned him into this horse. He is committed to carrying Master to West Heaven and visit Buddha.

4:46 There are different merits and fruits for each one of us. Don't you bother him. Shamonk heard him and asked. Big Brother, is this really a dragon? Singto answered. Yes, he is a dragon. Bazia said. Oh Big Brother, I heard the ancients say that Dragons can puff cloud and mist and make soil and sand fly. They've got the tricks to which mountains and valleys and the power to turn rivers and seas upside down. How come he is just slowly walking here? Xinjia said.

5:15 If you want him to walk faster, I'll make him walk faster for you to see. Splendid Gray sage. He gave the golden hooped rod a good grip and out came 10,000 beams of rainbow cloud. The horse saw him take out the rod and feared he was going to get hit. Panicking, his four hoofs moved swift as lightning as he ran off. In a flash, the master's hands were too weak to rein him in. He could barely hold on as the horse raced off uncontrollably. Only when they had run up a Cliff did the horse return to walking in wide strides.

5:47 The master's panting was just beginning to calm when he looked up and found that far in the distance, inside the shade of some Pines, were several cottages. They were indeed spacious. Look at them, surrounded by trees close to the mountains. Wild chrysethemon grew by the fences while orchids ballooned by the bridge, walled with bricks and mud. The halls were grand and peaceful. Animals were absent, possibly because of post harvest idleness.

6:17 The master was holding the reins and taking his time to observe the place when Wukong and his brothers arrived. Wu Jing asked. Master, did you manage to stay on the horse without falling off? The elder complained. This unruly monkey Wukong, he's the one who's startled the horse. You are lucky that I am still riding it.

6:36 Laughing seemed to apologize. Don't you scold me, Master. It was Juvazia who said the horse was walking too slowly, so I was just hurrying him up. The fool on the other hand, was moving in hasty steps, trying to catch up to the horse. Panting and muttering to no end, he lashed out and said, forget it, forget it, my stomach is already empty and my waistband is getting loose. The luggage is so heavy that I can barely carry it up here, and you made me run from my life after a horse. The elder said, Oh disciples, look over there, there is a manner we can head there and ask to stay the night. Sing to have hurt him and quickly looked up. What he saw in mid air were auspicious clouds and a vine mist shrouding the area.

7:22 That was how he knew this place was the creation of Buddha and immortals. But he dare not reveal this heavenly secret. So all he said was good, good, very good. Let's go ask for lodging, shall we? The elder hurriedly got off the horse and approached. What he saw was an entrance decorated with structures carved into the shapes of Lotus flowers and elephant trunks, alongside pillars and beams that were gorgeously painted and sculpted. Xiao Monk helped put away the luggage while Bazier pulled the horse over and remarked, This is quite the world of family. Xinjia was about to enter when San Zheng said. Don't do that.

8:02 We are all people who have left the family and should be mindful of potential scepticism. Never enter without permission. Let's wait until someone comes out before we politely ask for lodging. And so Bazier tied up the horse and leaned against the foot of the wall. San Zhang sat on the stone drums by the gate, while Xing Zhou and Shamanc sat by the risen platform.

8:24 A long time went by, and still no one came out. Xing Zhou was impatient, so he hopped up and snuck into the front gate to have a look at the inside. There turned out to be 3 large rooms facing S. The curtains were drawn up high and on the dividing screen hung a horizontal painting filled with motifs symbolizing longevity and happiness. On the side of the two golden lacquered pillars were couplets for the Spring Festival.

8:51 Written on large red paper, they read thread like branches sway mid air from fragile willows. As evening approaches the bridge, snow dotted blossoms puff fragrance on plum trees signaling spring in the garden. In the middle of the room was a processed black lacquered incense table on which was placed a copper sensor in the shape of a beast.

9:14 Inside were six chairs, and on its east and West walls hung vertical paintings depicting The Four Seasons. Xing Zhao was just having a sneak peek when suddenly he heard steps coming from inside the back door. A middle-aged woman walked out and asked in a tender voice, Who is there entering the door of this widow without permission?

9:35 Panicking, the great sage stuttered. This little monk comes from the great tongue in the land of the East. By imperial edict, we are heading westward to see Buddha and Sikh scriptures. We are a group of four who arrived at your respected place as it was getting late. We have come to the old Bodizatua's illustrious residence to specifically ask to stay the night. Monks sometimes address their benefactors as Bodizatua as a gesture of courtesy.

10:02 This has nothing to do with whether the person is an actual Bodizatua. The woman smiled as she welcomed him in, asking Elder, where are the other three? Please come with me. Singer then shouted in a loud voice. Master, please come inside. Only then did Sansang enter with Bazia and Shamak, dragging the horse and carrying the luggage. As the women greeted them outside the living room, Bazia glanced at her with half open eyes. Look at how she was dressed.

10:32 She wore a certain coat of pure green embroidered with golden threads. On top of it was a light red vest. Tied to her waist was a colorful silk gown and below that a pair of high heeled shoes with floral patterns. Hair done in the latest fashion, Her buns were decorated with Combs and pins identical to the palace styles. Her hair was half grey and her earrings drooped pearls. Without putting on makeup, her beauty remained stunning with charm.

11:02 Just like her younger days, the woman saw the other 3 and grew even happier. With courtesy, she invited them into the living room. Once each introduced themselves, they were seated and served tea. Suddenly, behind the dividing screen, out came a servant girl with double buns and loose bangs. She held a golden tray with white jade cups on top, where fragrant tea puffed warm air and exotic fruit gave off sweet scents.

11:30 The girl wore colorful sleeves and had slender, fair fingers. She held the jade cups and served them tea before bowing to each one of them. Once tea was finished, a vegetarian meal was arranged. San Zang gesture to ask, O Borizatua, may I ask your honourable name? What is the name of this respected place?

11:51 The woman answered. This is within Aplagadania continent of the West. This humble little woman's family name is Xia and my husband's last name is MO. Here, the last name Xia is a homophone for the character meaning fake, and the last name more literally means none. She continued. He had an unfortunate childhood.

12:17 As my in laws died early, I oversaw the inheritance with my husband which amounted to a fortune worth 10s of thousands and fertile fields measuring thousands of Qing. Here, Qing is a unit for Area 1. Qing in ancient China is the equivalent of about 60 to 70,000 square meters. The woman went on. We were destined to have no sons in our lives, and had only three daughters the year before the last. I suffer the utmost misfortune of losing my husband too. This little woman has been widowed since then, and my mourning period will end this year without a single relative of blood out there.

12:58 All the fields and properties he left behind are now passed on to me and my daughters. I wanted to remarry, but it's hard to give up on the family business. It just so happens that the elder has descended upon us and there are four of you in total. This little woman and my daughters. All four of us would like to find ourselves each a husband to join the family.

13:19 The four of you are simply perfect. I wonder what your respected mind thinks of this proposal. Sanzan heard her words and pretended he could neither hear nor speak. With eyes closed, he tried to calm his mind in silence. Without giving an answer, the woman went on. We've got Paddy fields, dry fields and mountain orcharts, each measuring over 300 shin of land. We also have over 1000 yellow water Buffalo, along with large herds of mules and horses and countless pigs and goats. We've got around 60 to 70 manors, houses and ranches in normal directions in my family.

13:58 We've got rice and grains that could feed you for eight or nine years, as well as more than enough fine silk for you to wear for over a decade, with more gold and silver that can last a lifetime. How are we not better than the lively spring hidden behind brocade curtains? And speak not of the branching golden hairpins on a woman's head. If you, master and disciples, are willing to change your mind and marry into this humble family, you will live however way you please and enjoy all this wealth and glory. How is this not better than labouring your way westward? Zhan Zhang only remained silent, as if he was too dumb to understand her words.

14:39 The woman went on. I was born the 10th Sichen on the third day in the third month in the year marked Dinh Hai. My late husband was three years older than I and I am 45 this year. My eldest daughter Jinjin is 20. My second daughter I I is 18. My third daughter Lian Lian is 16. None are engaged to any family yet. This little woman here may be rather ugly, but fortunately all my daughters have grown to be quite fair. They are capable of all the womanly tasks like knitting and sewing.

15:15 Because my late husband never had a son, he raised them as sons in a way. When they were young, we taught them confusion text and they can compose poems and couplets too. Even though we live in a manner in the mountains, they are certainly not the vulgar type. I'm sure they can be fitting companions for you elders here. If you're willing to open your arms and grow your hair long, you can stay and be the head of this humble household, wearing silk and brocade.

15:41 How much better that would be than your pottery bows and monk robes, grass shoes and straw hats. Zanzang just sat there like a child shook by Thunder, a toad splattered by rain. As if in a trance, he rolled his eyes and leaned back. But when Bazir heard what wealth and beauty lied before him, his heart became desperately itchy.

16:07 Sitting on his chair, he began twisting and turning left and right as if a needle was poking his bottom. No longer able to contain his impatience, he walked over and pulled on his master, saying Master, this Madam is telling you something. Why are you pretending to not pay attention? You can at least give her some response. The master quickly lifted his head and lashed out on Bazzier, telling him off.

16:33 You cursed creature, we are people who have left the family. How could we allow our hearts to move for wealth and minds linger on beauty, what sense does that make? The woman sneered. Poor thing, poor thing, what is so good about leaving the family? Sanzang replied. Madame Bodizzatoo, what is so good about staying in the family?

16:57 The woman said. Please sit down, Elder. Allow me to list all the good things about being someone staying in the family. Why is that so? In spring, dress yourself up with the most fashionable accessories and clothing. Change to light gauze during summer and enjoy Lotus blossoms. In fall, there's the fragrance of newly filtered rice wine. When it's winter, your face will glow a tipsy red in a heated room.

17:23 You get everything you need in all Four Seasons. There's no shortage of delicacies for the 8 festivals. Your wedding night will be decorated with brocade and silk. How much better that is than a travelling monk, Sanzang, replied Madame Bodizatua, as a person staying in the family, you are enjoying much glory and wealth.

17:44 You're clothed and fed, and your children are united with you. That is certainly great, but you have no idea that for us who have left the family, there is also a list of good things. And what are they? It is already extraordinary to have the determination to leave home, for this means toppling the loving rooms of the past. Outside material will not lead to idle chatter. We've got a good balance of yin and Yang within ourselves. Once merit is complete, we will head to the golden palaces. Once our nature and heart have brightened up, we will return to our origins.

18:21 How is that not better than indulging in flesh at home? When you grow old, you are nothing but a fallen piece of foul skin. The woman heard this and became outraged, shouting. This unruly monk has no manners. If I didn't care that you came from so far away from the land of the East, I would have thrown you out.

18:42 And here I am, sincere and honest, offering up what this family has to ask you to join our household as husbands, and you insult me with your words, so you might have received commandments and made a promise to never return to secular life. What about those who are under you? This family can at least take one to join us.

19:00 Why are you so stubborn? San Zhang saw her go angry and turned perfunctory and resigned, saying, Wukong, why don't you stay here? Sinjo replied. I've never know how those things worked since I was young. Just let Bazier stay here instead. Bazier said. Oh Big Brother, don't you mess with me, let's figure this out together.

19:23 San Zhang continued. If neither of you are willing, let Wujing stay here then. Sha Monk said Listen to what you're saying, Master, this disciple was fortunate enough to be converted by Bodhisattva and receive her commandments to wait for my master. Since Master took me in, I was blessed by your teachings. It's been barely two months since I started following your way, and I certainly have not obtained any sort of merit. How dare I lust after wealth?

19:50 I will head to the West Heaven even if it means death, but never do such a thing that goes against my heart. The woman saw them declining and showing unwillingness, so she quickly turned around before disappearing behind the dividing screen with a loud bang. She shut the swinging doors and left the master and his disciples out in the living room. There was no tea or food served, and no one came out again. Bazia became quite irritated and began blaming the Tongue monk. Master, you really don't know how to handle these matters and let the conversation into a dead end. You could have left some space for negotiation, just vaguely accept her offer so she's happy enough to serve us a vegetarian meal and we can have one night

20:34 of satisfaction. Whether we really go with her or not. Tomorrow is all up to us. When the doors are shut like this, we've got nothing but dust on a coat stove. How are we even going to last the night? Wujing said. Second elder brother, you can be a son-in-law for their family then. Bazia replied.

20:53 Brother, don't you trick me, let's make a thorough plan about this, Xinjo remarked. What is there to plan? If you're willing, just tell master to become in laws with that woman and you go be their in house son-in-law. Her family is rich enough to offer you dowry and arrange a big feast inviting the relatives.

21:12 We will get to enjoy some of that while you return to secular life here. That benefits both parties. When you say, Bazia said. It makes sense all right, but that would mean I am returning to secular life right after quitting secular life and marrying a wife right after leaving a wife? Shah monk asked.

21:32 So second elder brother had a wife before, Sinjar explained. You know nothing about him. He was the son-in-law of Squire GAO from the old GAO village in Wusazung. Because elder son subdued him and he received but his utmost commandments, he had no choice and was dragged here to be a monk. That's why he left his previous wife and followed master to go see Buddha in the West.

21:56 I guess the separation lasted long enough for him to get rather reminiscent about these things. When he heard the same matters being brought up just now, he must have been thinking about it again. Fool, just go be that son-in-law for this family. All you have to do is give a few more bows to Eldersson, so I will not report you. The fool said nonsense, nonsense. Everyone was thinking about the same thing and you are just picking old Ball out to shame.

22:23 As the saying goes, monks are starving ghosts with regard to lust. Who doesn't want this? You're just twisting yourselves to act all pretentious, ruining the good office when you end up as no tea being served to your face and no one to take care of candlelight. Even if we manage to get through the night, the horse will still have to carry a man tomorrow and walk on.

22:46 If we let it starve for one night, we might as well shed its skin. Stay seated here and let Obor go graze the horse. The foe hurriedly untie the ropes and pull the horse outside. Sinja, said Shamonk, sit here with Master for the time being. Let Alderson follow him out and see where he's grazing the horse. San Zan said.

23:11 Wokon, go check on what he is doing, just don't keep mocking him. Cinto replied. I know what to do. The Great Sage then left the living room, shook his body and transformed into a red dragonfly. He then flew out of the front gates and caught up to Barzier. Journey to the West, an audio drama series, is an independent production by The 5th Monkey.

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