Journey to the West: Beginning with the Apprenticeship of Bodhi Patriarch

Chapter 383 Shabby and Destitute, Ten Trials

Meanwhile, in the city of Jingzhou, at Mr. Liu's residence...

Wang Chongyang studied Confucianism here for a long time and gained some knowledge, but Mr. Liu's collection of books was not large, and after he had read them all, there were no more books to read.

Wang Chongyang had no intention of slacking off or resting. On the contrary, knowing that there was no knowledge to be gained here, he decided to leave.

One day, Wang Chongyang met with Mr. Liu in the central hall and formally proposed his departure.

Mr. Liu was deeply impressed and served him tea, saying, "You are very diligent in your studies, which amazes me. I am not as good as you. When I was young, I often used various excuses to get by while studying, indulging in pleasure without realizing it. But you are different. In your eyes, there is only knowledge. You are the most determined person I have ever seen."

Wang Chongyang bowed and said, "I dare not accept such praise from you, sir. It is my honor to be able to study Confucianism in your residence. I will not pass on what I have learned here without your permission. Please rest assured, sir."

Mr. Liu laughed and said, "Why would you speak of something that is not meant to be told to outsiders?"

Wang Chongyang said, “But I know that the Analects that you passed down to me is a family tradition. I have learned it now because you have shown me great kindness. How can I have the face to pass it on? Therefore, I say this and will never pass it on to anyone else.”

Mr. Liu shook his head and said, “I know you have mastered the essence of the Analects because you have said this, but you don’t need to do it this way. If it were in the past, I would have repeatedly warned you not to spread the Analects. However, in today’s world, since the An Lushan Rebellion, the Analects is no longer a rare work. If you put in some effort, you can find the Analects. Therefore, you don’t need to say this. If you encounter a talented person, you can pass it on to them.”

Upon hearing his words, Wang Chongyang bowed deeply to him and said, "Sir, you are truly righteous."

Mr. Liu said, "I have no grand principles to speak of; I only say this because my family's traditions have declined."

Wang Chongyang still admired Mr. Liu.

The two talked for a long time in the main hall, enjoying each other's company.

Mr. Liu suddenly said, "Young friend Wang, why don't you stay in my manor? I will take you as my last disciple and pass on this entire manor to you. If the world is ever unified in the future, I will also do my best to help you become an official. What do you think?"

Wang Chongyang shook his head and smiled helplessly.

Mr. Liu said, “Why refuse? If you become my closed-door disciple, you will have a lot of money, a lot of connections, and a lot of fame. If you become my closed-door disciple, you will have no worries for the rest of your life.”

Wang Chongyang said, “I appreciate your kindness, sir, but I am wholeheartedly devoted to the three schools of thought, so please forgive me for not being able to agree.”

Mr. Liu seemed to have expected this. He smiled and nodded, then said, "Young friend, you might ask me, what good is learning all three schools of thought? Even if you learn them all, you will not gain gold, silver, or fame. It is better to stay. If you can stay, you will have everything. If you leave, you will have nothing. Why is that?"

Wang Chongyang bowed and said, “Sir, I have long said that gold, silver, fame, and reputation are all external things. They seem to exist, yet not truly exist; they seem real, yet not truly exist—like flowers in a mirror or the moon in the water. If we speak of internal things, knowledge is the true thing. As the sage said, ‘If I hear the Way in the morning, I can die content in the evening.’ I do not know what the Way is, but for me, if I can master the teachings of the three schools, that is the Way.”

Mr. Liu pondered Wang Chongyang's words carefully, and after a long while, he sighed, "Young friend, you are far superior to me. Enough, enough, enough. I will not say any more, lest I offend you."

Say it.

Mr. Liu said no more, prepared some travel expenses, a change of clothes, and a horse, and handed them over to Wang Chongyang.

Wang Chongyang was about to refuse, but Mr. Liu said that if he refused, he would not be allowed to leave.

In the end, Wang Chongyang had no choice but to accept it. After bowing repeatedly, he left the mansion and continued on his journey.

Mr. Liu watched them leave, feeling somewhat reluctant to part.

A disciple behind him said, "Master, why do you value that fellow so much? I don't think he has anything outstanding about him."

Mr. Liu shook his head and said, "You don't understand him, none of you understand him."

The apprentice scoffed, saying, "I don't need to understand him. If I did, wouldn't I be just as poor and destitute as him?"

Upon hearing this, Mr. Liu smiled and shook his head, then looked at the others and asked, "Do you all think so too?"

His disciples and followers all said, "He is indeed a poor wretch."

Mr. Liu sighed, “If that’s the case, it’s clear that you haven’t even fully studied the Analects.”

Some of the disciples and their followers were unconvinced and said, "We can recite it backwards, how can you say we haven't mastered it completely?"

Mr. Liu said, “You know only the surface, but not the inside. How can you be considered a complete person? As young friend Wang said, so what if you are poor and down on your luck? It’s just outward poverty. You are noble beyond measure. How could you possibly know that?”

The disciples and their followers remained silent, speechless.

Mr. Liu shook his head and said, “You all just wait and see. He will surely become a noble person in the future. You should regret what you said today. If you do not gain knowledge, you will see him as a frog at the bottom of a well. But if you gain knowledge and hear what he says, you will see him as a mayfly looking at the blue sky.”

Some of his disciples and followers did not believe him, but they never refuted Mr. Liu again.

Mr. Liu pondered for a moment, then instructed someone to fetch paper and pen. His disciples and grand-disciples dared not disobey and quickly brought the paper and pen, presenting them to Mr. Liu.

Mr. Liu wrote two characters on the paper, which became "Double Ninth Festival".

……

As the story unfolds, the True Man and his entourage, unaware of when, have already arrived at this place, riding the clouds and mist, and are looking down at the city below.

They had naturally seen that Wang Chongyang had rejected Mr. Liu and was about to leave.

Sun Wukong watched as Wang Chongyang rode his horse out of the city and said, "Eldest brother, my nephew Zhengwei has no memory of the past, but his Dao heart is as strong as ever, which is truly remarkable."

The Bull Demon King agreed wholeheartedly, saying, "Zhengwei is now just an ordinary person, lacking the abilities of his youth. However, his talent is no less than it was back then. If he were to cultivate, he would surely progress by leaps and bounds."

Pigsy also felt the same way. Wang Chongyang was too amazing, but he was also a little at a loss. If this was the case, then the three disciples under the Master were all extraordinary people.

Even if we don't mention Zheng Yuan, he is no match for him. Zheng Yuan has already achieved enlightenment and has cultivated his mind, making him the best disciple under the current master.

Now that Chongyang is so remarkable, even before returning to his rightful place, he already shows signs of cultivating his mind. If he were to gain more experience in the mortal realm, wouldn't the righteous path have hope when he returns to his rightful place? Could that old pig possibly stand against the righteous path? Absolutely not!
Furthermore, regarding the True Man's three disciples, he is the son of the Bull King and the son of Rakshasa. They are exceptionally talented and have been nurturing their spirits for a long time. Now they have entered the path of cultivation. We do not know their abilities, but based on their battle on the Western Journey Road in the past, he was no match for him. He was no match then, let alone now.

Judging from this, he, Old Pig, is so much inferior to the younger generation.

When Pigsy thought of this, he looked flustered.

The Master looked down at Wang Chongyang and smiled, “He has some talent in reading, but I don’t know how well he cultivates his mind. In the past, he was reborn in the mortal world to sever his worldly ties and cultivate the righteous path. Now is the time to observe his mind cultivation and whether he has severed his worldly ties. I want to test him with my magic. What do you all think?”

Sun Wukong bowed and said, "Brother, there must be a reason for your test. Please tell us how to conduct the test so that we can assist you."

The Bull Demon King and Pigsy followed closely behind, saying the same thing.

The Master pondered for a moment and said, "I wish to use the ten methods to test their various aspects. I ask my junior brother, the Ox King, and Pigsy for assistance." As he spoke, he suddenly had a flash of inspiration and realized that this was precisely why the Patriarch had instructed him to select people.

Sun Wukong and the others bowed again, asking the immortal to instruct them on how to test Wang Chongyang.

The Master said, “I have ten tests: first, illusion; second, renunciation; third, forbearance; fourth, fearlessness; fifth, composure; sixth, integrity; seventh, sincerity; eighth, faith; ninth, tranquility; and tenth, reward. These ten tests are enough to show the Chongyang Festival.”

Upon hearing this, Sun Wukong and the others understood the true man's intention, but they were somewhat surprised, not expecting there to be ten trials.

Sun Wukong said, "Eldest brother, if this is the test, I'm afraid we are not up to the task, and in the end, only a few of us will be able to pass."

Pigsy shouted, "Master, what Brother Monkey says makes sense. We can't let Brother Monkey use some kind of transformation to make things mysterious."

Sun Wukong grinned and said, "You idiot, how can you say that I can use a transformation? Why don't you teach me to be the ruler of a country, and let all the civil and military officials be my transformations?"

Upon hearing this, Pigsy pondered carefully and said, "Brother, this is acceptable. If it were the other way around, wouldn't this country be prosperous and enduring? If that's the case, I can serve you, and you can make me your prime minister."

Sun Wukong glared at Zhu Bajie, silencing him and preventing him from saying another word.

The Bull Demon King also said, "Master, if we rely on just the few of us, it may be difficult to complete these ten trials. Why not ask for their help? What do you think, Master?"

Jiang Yuan smiled and nodded, saying, "Even if you hadn't said anything, I should have asked you. I'm asking Wukong to go to the island above the sea to visit the immortals for help, and I'm asking Bajie to go to Mount Ling to visit the Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and Arhats for help. I'm asking the Bull King to stay here and protect Zhengwei. I will personally go to the South Sea to ask Guanyin Bodhisattva for help. You should know that those who wish to come may do so, but if they are unwilling, they cannot be forced."

Upon hearing this, all three agreed and accepted the decree.

Sun Wukong scratched his head and said, "Elder Brother, even for these ten trials, why do we need the help of Guanyin Bodhisattva of the South Sea?"

Jiang Yuan smiled and said, "Firstly, I haven't visited Guanyin Bodhisattva for many years. Now that I've come down from the mountain, I should naturally go and pay her a visit. Secondly, I helped Guanyin Bodhisattva complete her journey to the West in the past. Shouldn't Guanyin Bodhisattva help me in this way now?"

Sun Wukong laughed and said, "If we follow what you say, Senior Brother, then Guanyin Bodhisattva should help you."

Jiang Yuan shook his head and said, "No need for further words, let's go to various places and ask for help."

Sun Wukong and Zhu Bajie accepted the order, immediately bowed, and set off in the four directions.

The Bull Demon King bowed and said, "My lord, please go to the South Sea. With the old bull guarding this place, you will surely be safe."

Jiang Yuan nodded and said, "King Ox, it is my pleasure to have you here."

Say it.

The immortal rode on a cloud and headed towards the South Sea.

……

Before long, the immortal rode a white deer and arrived at Mount Luojia in the South China Sea. Looking into the distance, the mountain was no ordinary place. The orchards were lush and shady, the fragrant herbs were soft and spread out in a clockwise direction, the springs cascaded over the rocks, and the mirror-like lake was crystal clear, with light and shadow intertwining like a glass world. The valleys were deep and secluded, with springs flowing and reflecting, and the sounds of chanting and the roar of the waves resonated together.

It is truly a place where "the wondrous realm of Luojia is nestled amidst the sea of ​​clouds, where the fragrant temple echoes with the sound of tides day and night. Through countless eons, the compassionate guide never tires, and the vows of sentient beings remain unbroken."

Just as the immortal arrived here on a cloud, he saw someone riding a cloud to greet him. He looked down and saw that it was Guanyin Bodhisattva of the South Sea who was riding a cloud to welcome him, followed by Huian Xingzhe and the Dragon Girl holding the pearl.

Jiang Yuan then had the white deer descend from the clouds and walk to the front, where he bowed and said, "I have come to visit Mount Luojia in the South Sea to pay my respects to the Bodhisattva. How could the Bodhisattva appear to greet me? This is my fault."

Guanyin Bodhisattva returned the bow, smiled slightly, and said, "It is my honor that the True Man has come to visit my dwelling. How could I have done anything wrong? Since I know that the True Man has come, I should naturally show myself to welcome him. Otherwise, it would be my fault. True Man, please come with me."

Say it.

Guanyin Bodhisattva made way for the true person to enter.

The True Man was said to have landed in Mount Luojia, where many Buddhists would pay homage to him, and some even knelt on the ground, calling him "Buddha." The True Man was astonished.

Guanyin Bodhisattva personally led the way, inviting the True Man to the Tide Sound Cave. Huian Xingzhe came, bowed to the True Man, and helped lead the white deer away.

When they arrived at the Chaoyin Cave, Guanyin Bodhisattva took a futon and placed it in front of the real person. Guanyin Bodhisattva originally wanted to sit on the lotus platform, but seeing the real person sitting upright on the futon, she got off the lotus platform and also took a futon and sat down.

The master shook his head and said, "Bodhisattvas may sit on lotus thrones."

Guanyin Bodhisattva smiled slightly and said, "A meditation cushion is also acceptable."

The Master said, "Bodhisattva, but I don't know why they say I am the Buddha? Could it be because of the Dharma?"

Guanyin Bodhisattva said, “That’s right. But the True Man is the origin and source of Zen. Even though he has no Buddha name, he still teaches many Buddhist disciples to call him Buddha.”

Jiang Yuan was both amused and exasperated, and said, "My Buddhist teachings are very limited, how can you call me the Buddha? This is absolutely unacceptable."

Guanyin Bodhisattva shook her head and said, "These are not things I can decide. They are the Buddha's names of sentient beings and true beings, so I can do nothing about them."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Yuan sighed, "Enough, enough, enough. I truly have no other way. Therefore, my Buddhist teachings are indeed very weak and do not deserve the title of Buddha."

Guanyin Bodhisattva said, "But if sentient beings and the True Man receive this Buddha's name, then the True Man can accept it. I still don't know why the True Man has come to visit me. It is not right for him to come and reminisce about the past."

Jiang Yuan smiled and said, "There is one thing I wish to ask Guanyin Bodhisattva to help me with."

Guanyin Bodhisattva put her hands together and said, "Please tell me, I will definitely help you."

Jiang Yuan then explained the matter of Wang Chongyang to Guanyin Bodhisattva, and mentioned his intention to "test" Wang Chongyang ten times.

Upon hearing this, Guanyin Bodhisattva said, "If that is the case, I can assist you, Master. I can go to the mortal world with you at any time to test Wang Chongyang."

Jiang Yuan bowed and said, "I am very grateful for the trouble caused by the Bodhisattva."

Guanyin Bodhisattva smiled and said, "These ten trials are profound in understanding the Great Dao. The True Man has great talent and is able to initiate these ten trials. If the True Man's disciple can pass these ten trials, his path of cultivation will surely be smooth sailing."

Jiang Yuan said, "I dare not accept such a statement from the Bodhisattva; it was merely a spontaneous thought."

Guanyin Bodhisattva said, "Among these ten tests, there is a fixed test. Please let me assist you in your mission, True Man. I tested Tang Sanzang and his disciples when they were on their journey to the West. Now I can test your disciples as well. What do you think, True Man?"

The real person naturally agreed.

(End of this chapter)