Chapter 96: Outer Bandit Joyfully Welcomes the Eminent Monk Elder Tang Does Not Covet Wealth and Honor

Form is fundamentally formless, and emptiness is not truly empty. Silence and noise, speech and quiet, are inherently the same. Why bother speaking of dreams within a dream?

In usefulness, there is uselessness; in effortlessness, true effort is applied. It is like fruit ripening naturally and turning red; do not ask how it was cultivated or sown.

The story recounts that Tripitaka and his disciples used their spiritual power to stop the monks of Bujin Temple. When the monks saw a black wind pass by and realized the master and disciples had vanished, they believed a Living Buddha had descended to earth. They prostrated themselves and returned, and that is all that needs to be said about that. As the master and disciples traveled west, it was late spring, early summer—

The weather was clear and pleasant, and water caltrops and lotuses grew in the ponds. Plums ripened after the rain, and wheat matured in the wind. Where the grass was fragrant and flowers fell, mature orioles perched lightly on willow branches. River swallows guided their young, and mountain pheasants fed their chicks, chirping. The longest day of summer brought brightness to all living things.

Endless were their days of morning meals and evening lodgings, traversing streams and seeking slopes. After half a month on their peaceful journey, they saw a city wall approaching. Tripitaka asked, "Disciples, what place is this?" Sun Wukong replied, "I don't know, I don't know." Bajie chuckled, "You've traveled this path before, how can you not know? There's something fishy going on; you're pretending not to recognize it to play a trick on us." Sun Wukong retorted, "This oaf has no sense! Although I've passed this way several times, back then I was always up in the vast sky, riding on clouds, coming and going. When did I ever set foot on the ground here? Since it didn't concern me, why would I investigate it? That's why I don't know. What's so strange, and how am I playing a trick on you?"

As they spoke, they unknowingly reached the city's edge. Tripitaka dismounted, crossed the drawbridge, and entered the gate. On the long street, he saw two old men sitting under a veranda, chatting. Tripitaka called out, "Disciples, stand still in the middle of the street, keep your heads down, and don't be disrespectful. I'll go to the veranda and ask for directions." Sun Wukong and the others indeed stood still as instructed. The Elder approached, put his palms together, and said, "Venerable benefactors, greetings to you, a humble monk." The two old men were idly discussing the rise and fall of fortunes, who was wise and who was foolish, and where the heroic deeds of their time now stood – truly, a great sigh of lament. Suddenly hearing the greeting, they returned the gesture and said, "Elder, what can we do for you?" Tripitaka said, "I am a humble monk who has come from afar to worship the Buddha. I have just arrived in this esteemed place and do not know its name. Are there any charitable households here where I might beg for a meal?" The old man replied, "Our humble dwelling is in Tongtai Prefecture, and behind the prefecture is a county called Diling County. Elder, if you wish to eat, there's no need to beg. Go past this archway, on the north-south street, facing east, there's a house with a tiger-seated gate tower. That's Squire Kou's residence. In front of his gate, there's a tablet that says 'All Monks Welcome'. A monk from afar like you can enjoy as much as you like. Go, go, go! Don't interrupt our conversation."

Tripitaka thanked them, turned, and said to Sun Wukong, "This place is Tongtai Prefecture, Diling County. Those two old men said: 'Go past this archway, on the north-south street, facing east, there's a tiger-seated gate tower, which is Squire Kou's residence. In front of his gate, there's a tablet that says 'All Monks Welcome'.' They told me to go to his house for a meal." Sandy said, "The West is indeed a land of Buddhism; truly there are those who offer alms to monks. Since this is a prefecture and county, there's no need to check our travel documents. Let's go beg for some food and then continue our journey." The Elder and his three disciples slowly walked down the long street, attracting startled and suspicious gazes from the people in the marketplace, who gathered around, vying to see their appearances. The Elder instructed them to keep quiet, simply saying, "Don't be disrespectful, don't be disrespectful!" The three disciples indeed kept their heads down, not daring to look up. Turning the corner, they indeed saw a north-south main street. As they walked, they saw a tiger-seated gate tower. Inside the gate, on the spirit screen, hung a large tablet with the four characters 'All Monks Welcome' written on it. Tripitaka said, "In the Buddhist lands of the West, both the wise and the foolish are without deceit. When those two old men spoke of it, I still didn't quite believe it, but here it is, just as they said." Bajie, being boorish, was about to go in. Sun Wukong said, "Hold on, you idiot. Wait until someone comes out, and we can ask about the customs before going in." Sandy said, "Elder Brother is right. We don't want to inadvertently cause trouble for the benefactor by not knowing the proper etiquette." They stopped their horses and luggage at the entrance.

In a moment, a servant with gray hair came out, carrying a scale and a basket. Suddenly seeing them, he dropped everything in a panic and ran back inside, reporting, "Master! There are four unusual monks outside!" The squire, who was casually strolling in the courtyard, leaning on his cane and continuously chanting Buddhist scriptures, immediately dropped his cane when he heard the report. He came out to greet them. Seeing the four of them, he showed no fear of their unusual appearances, only calling out, "Please come in, please come in." Tripitaka humbly entered with them. Turning down an alley, the squire led the way to a building and said, "These prominent rooms are designated as your Buddhist hall, scripture hall, and dining hall, sirs. My family and servants reside in the side quarters." Tripitaka praised him endlessly, then took out his kasaya, put it on, and bowed to the Buddha. He then stepped into the hall to look around.

He saw: Fragrant clouds billowed and diffused, and candle flames glowed brightly. The entire hall was adorned with rich brocade and clustered flowers; gold and vibrant colors gleamed all around. On vermilion shelves hung tall purple-gold bells; opposite them, on lacquered stands, were ornate drums. Several pairs of embroidered hangings depicted the Eight Treasures; a thousand Buddha statues shone with pure gold. There were antique bronze censers, ancient bronze vases, carved lacquer tables, and carved lacquer boxes. Inside the antique bronze censers, aloeswood and sandalwood burned continuously; in the ancient bronze vases, lotus flowers constantly displayed their vibrant colors. On the carved lacquer tables, five-colored clouds looked fresh; in the carved lacquer boxes, fragrant petals accumulated. Glass cups held clear, pure water; glass lamps glowed brightly with perfumed oil. A single strike of the golden chime resonated slowly and distantly. Truly, it was a place untouched by the dust of the world, surpassing a precious pavilion; a family Buddhist hall that rivaled a grand monastery.

The Elder purified his hands, lit incense, bowed, and then turned to pay his respects to the squire. The squire said, "Wait! Please, let's meet in the scripture hall." There he saw—

Square tables and upright cabinets, jade caskets and golden cases. The square tables and upright cabinets were piled high with countless scriptures; the jade caskets and golden cases stored many scrolls and tablets. On the colorful lacquered tables were paper, ink, brushes, and inkstones—all exquisite and refined scholar's implements. In front of the spiced-powdered screen were books, paintings, qin zithers, and chess sets—all embodying profound and mysterious true delight. A light jade and gold floating celestial chime was placed, and a dragon's beard whisk, as if draped by wind and moonlight, was hung. The pure atmosphere refreshed one's spirit, and a devout heart naturally felt at peace with the Tao.

When the Elder arrived there, just as he was about to bow, the squire stopped him, saying, "Please remove your Buddhist robe." Tripitaka took off his kasaya, then greeted the squire. The squire then invited Sun Wukong and the other two to greet him, and also ordered their horses to be fed and their luggage placed under the veranda, before finally asking about their well-being. Tripitaka said, "I am a humble monk, an imperial envoy from the Great Tang of the Eastern Lands, heading to this esteemed place to visit the Spirit Mountain, meet the Buddha, and seek true scriptures. Hearing of your esteemed household's reverence for monks, I have come to pay my respects and request just one meal." The squire's face lit up with joy, and he said with a smile, "My humble name is Kou Hong, styled Dakuan. I am sixty-four years old. Since the age of forty, I vowed to host ten thousand monks to fulfill a great merit. I have been hosting monks for twenty-four years now, and I keep a ledger of all the monks I've fed. Having nothing else to do these past few days, I counted the names of the monks I've hosted, and I've fed nine thousand nine hundred and ninety-six. I am short by just four, so the vow is not yet complete. Today, by heaven's grace, four Venerable Masters have descended, completing the number of ten thousand monks! Please, let me know your esteemed names, and by all means, stay for over a month. Once I have completed my vow, I will arrange palanquins and horses to escort you, masters, to the mountain. From here to the Spirit Mountain is only eight hundred *li*, truly not far at all." Hearing this, Tripitaka was greatly pleased. They all tentatively agreed, and the matter is not further detailed.

His servants, big and small, bustled about the residence, fetching firewood and water, rice, flour, and vegetables to prepare the vegetarian offerings. This commotion startled the squire's wife, who asked, "Where are these monks from, that you're hurrying so much?" The servant replied, "Just now, four eminent monks arrived. Father asked them about their journey, and they said they were sent by the Emperor of the Great Tang in the Eastern Lands, heading to Spirit Mountain to worship the Buddha and retrieve scriptures. They don't know how far they've traveled to get here. Father said they are sent by Heaven, and ordered us to quickly prepare vegetarian meals to offer them." Hearing this, the old woman was also delighted. She called to her maid, "Bring me my clothes, I want to go and see them too." The servant said, "Mistress, only one of them is presentable; the other three are too ugly to look at." The old woman said, "You don't know, but those with ugly, strange, yet remarkable appearances must be celestial beings descended to the mortal world. Go quickly and inform your master." The servant ran to the scripture hall and reported to the squire, "Mistress has arrived and wishes to greet the Master from the Eastern Lands." Hearing this, Tripitaka immediately rose from his seat.

No sooner had he spoken than the old woman arrived at the hall. She looked up and saw Tripitaka, whose appearance was grand and whose bearing was imposing and heroic. Turning her gaze, she saw the unusual looks of Sun Wukong and the other two. Though she knew they were celestial beings descended to earth, she still felt a little afraid, and knelt down to bow. Tripitaka quickly returned the bow, saying, "You honor this humble monk too much, Bodhisattva." The old woman asked the squire, "Why aren't all four masters sitting together?" Bajie cupped his mouth and said, "We three are disciples." Alas! His voice was like the roar of a tiger from the deep mountains, making the old woman even more frightened. As they spoke, another servant came to report, "The two young masters have also arrived." Tripitaka quickly turned to look and saw two young scholars. The scholars walked up to the scripture hall and prostrated themselves before the Elder. Tripitaka, flustered, quickly returned the bow. The squire stepped forward and held them back, saying, "These are my two young sons, named Kou Liang and Kou Dong. They've just returned from studying in the library for lunch, and hearing of your esteemed arrival, they came to pay their respects." Tripitaka said happily, "Excellent, excellent! Indeed, to elevate one's lineage, one must do good; to have worthy descendants, they must study." The two scholars asked their father, "Where is this venerable master from?" The squire laughed, "He's come a long, long way! He's an imperial envoy from the Great Tang in the Eastern Lands of Southern Jambudvipa, on his way to Spirit Mountain to worship the Buddha and retrieve scriptures." The scholar said, "I've read in *Shilin Guangji* that there are only Four Great Continents in the world. Our land here is called Western Niuhezhou, and there's also Eastern Purvavideha. I wonder how many years it must have taken to travel from Southern Jambudvipa to here?" Tripitaka chuckled, "Along the way, I spent more time delayed than actually traveling. I constantly encountered venomous demons and fierce monsters, enduring countless hardships and dangers. It was largely due to my three disciples' protection that after fourteen years of cold and heat, I was able to reach this esteemed place." Hearing this, the scholars praised him endlessly, saying, "Truly a divine monk, truly a divine monk!" Before they finished speaking, another young servant came to invite them, saying, "The vegetarian feast has been prepared. Please, masters, come for the meal." The squire told his wife and sons to return to their quarters, while he escorted the four pilgrims to the dining hall for their meal. The setting there was impeccably arranged, and they saw—

Gold-lacquered tables and black-lacquered folding chairs. In the front were five colors of piled high fruits, all newly arranged by skilled artisans in the latest fashion. The second row held five plates of small dishes, the third row five plates of fruits, and the fourth row five large plates of snacks. Each item was sweet and fragrant. Vegetarian soup, rice, steamed rolls, and buns—all served piping hot, delicious, and truly filling. Seven or eight servants busily came and went, attending to them, while four or five cooks worked without pause.

You should have seen the servants bringing soup and refilling rice, back and forth, like shooting stars chasing the moon. Zhu Bajie devoured bowl after bowl, like a whirlwind scattering clouds. The master and disciples all thoroughly enjoyed the meal. The Elder rose and thanked the squire for the meal, then prepared to depart. The squire stopped him, saying, "Venerable Master, please stay for a few more days. As the saying goes, 'Starting is easy, finishing is hard.' Only after I have completed my vow will I dare to send you on your way." Seeing his sincere and earnest intention, Tripitaka reluctantly agreed to stay. After about five to seven days and nights, the squire invited twenty-four local monks for a Buddhist ritual to complete his vow. The monks spent three or four days preparing the scriptures and choosing an auspicious day to begin the Buddhist ceremony. The customs there were similar to those in the Great Tang, and indeed—

Large banners were unfurled, and golden statues were displayed; candles were lit in unison, and incense was burned as offerings. Drums were beaten, cymbals clanged, and panpipes were played, along with clear-toned horizontal flutes—all precisely crafted. They played a round, then blew another, reciting scriptures in clear, synchronized voices. First, they appeased the local deities, then invited the divine generals. Official documents were issued, and Buddha images were worshipped. They recited a section of the *Peacock Sutra*, each line dispelling calamities; they lit a frame of Medicine Buddha lamps, each flame shining brightly. They performed water repentance rituals to resolve grievances; they chanted the *Avatamsaka Sutra* to remove slander. The profound Dharma of the Three Vehicles was practiced diligently, and the monks were all devout.

After three days and nights, the ceremony was completed. Tripitaka, thinking of Leiyin Temple, was eager to leave and took his leave. The squire said, "Master, you seem very anxious to depart. Perhaps the past few days of busy Buddhist rituals caused some neglect, and you might feel slighted?" Tripitaka said, "I have deeply troubled your esteemed household, and I don't know how I can repay your kindness; how dare I speak of feeling slighted! It is just that when the Sacred Emperor sent me from the pass, he asked when I would return, and I mistakenly replied that I would return in three years. Unexpectedly, I have been delayed on the journey, and now fourteen years have passed! Whether I will even obtain the scriptures is unknown, and it will take another twelve or thirteen years to return. Would that not be disobeying the imperial decree? What a grave sin that would be! I implore you, venerable Squire, to allow this humble monk to proceed. When I have retrieved the scriptures and returned, then I can visit your residence and stay for a longer time. What could be wrong with that?" Bajie couldn't help but shout, "Master, you're too unwilling to comply with others' wishes! You're being unreasonable! The venerable Squire is immensely wealthy and made such a vow to host monks, which is now fulfilled. Moreover, he is sincerely urging us to stay. It wouldn't hurt to stay for a year or so. Why are you so insistent on leaving? You're giving up such readily available, good vegetarian food to go begging at other people's homes! Are there any 'masters' or 'mistresses' waiting for you up ahead?" The Elder sharply rebuked him with a 'Hmph!' saying, "You ignorant fool! You only know about eating, and care nothing for the causes of merit and return. You are truly like a beast that eats from the trough and scratches its belly! If you insist on clinging to such greed and delusion, then tomorrow I will go by myself!" Seeing his master's face change, Sun Wukong immediately grabbed Bajie, punched him several times on the head, and scolded him, "You idiot, you don't know what's good for you! You've made Master angry with all of us!" Sandy chuckled, "Good hit, good hit! Just staying silent already makes people dislike him, and yet he still dares to interject!" The idiot stood by, fuming, but dared not speak another word.

Seeing the master and disciples gradually growing agitated, the squire dared not press them to stay any longer. He simply said, "Venerable Master, there's no need for further discussion. You shall depart tomorrow morning." With that, he left the scripture hall and instructed his clerks to write a hundred or so invitation cards, inviting neighbors and relatives to escort the Tang Dynasty master on his western journey the next morning. At the same time, he ordered the cooks to prepare a farewell banquet. He also instructed his managers to make twenty pairs of colorful banners, find a band of musicians, invite a group of monks from the Southern Temple, and a group of Daoists from the Eastern Peak Temple, all to be ready by the *sishi* (9-11 AM) tomorrow. All the functionaries received their orders and departed. Before long, night fell again. After eating their evening meal, everyone retired to their sleeping quarters. It was then that—

A few returning crows flew over another village; the distant sound of bells and drums from a tower could be heard. The six main streets and three markets were quiet of human activity; the lights of myriad households and thousands of gates grew dim. The moon was bright and the wind clear, as flowers cast their shadows; the faint Milky Way mirrored the stars. The cuckoo's cry marked the deepening night; the sounds of nature were hushed, and the earth was still.

At the third and fourth watches of the night (around 1-5 AM), all the managing servants rose early to procure the various items. You could see the kitchen staff rushing to prepare the banquet, the front hall noisy with the setting up of colorful banners, the servants inviting monks and Daoists scurrying about, the bandleader urgently shouting orders, the invitation-bearers running east and west, and those preparing palanquins and horses calling out to each other. This half-night of bustling continued until dawn. Around *sishi*, everything was complete, proving that with enough money, anything is possible.

Meanwhile, Tripitaka and his disciples rose early, and another group of servants attended to them. The Elder instructed them to pack their luggage and prepare the horses. Hearing they were about to leave, the idiot (Bajie) pouted his lips and grumbled, but reluctantly gathered his robe and alms bowl, and hoisted his high shoulder pole. Sandy brushed down the horses and saddled them, waiting. Sun Wukong handed the Nine-Ringed Staff to his master, and hung the pouch containing the travel passes on his chest. They were all ready to go. The squire then invited them all to the large hall in the back. There, another banquet had been laid out, even grander than the one in the dining hall. They saw—

High curtains were hung, and screens surrounded them on all sides. In the very center hung a painting of 'Longevity Mountains and Blessed Seas'; on both side walls were four scrolls depicting the scenes of spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Fragrant mists wafted from dragon-patterned tripods, and auspicious energy arose from magpie-tail censers. Display plates were clustered with vibrant, jewel-like floral arrangements; tables were piled high with golden treats and rows of lion-shaped and immortal-shaped candies. Drums and dances performed to musical scales on the steps below, while the hall above was adorned with a feast of splendid fruits and dishes. The vegetarian soup and rice were exceptionally refined, and the fragrant wines and teas were delightfully beautiful. Although it was a commoner's home, it was no less magnificent than a prince's mansion. They heard a chorus of joyful sounds, truly astonishing heaven and shaking earth.

As the Elder was bowing to the squire, a servant came to report, "All the guests have arrived." These were the invited neighbors, relatives—brothers-in-law, cousins—and also fellow vegetarian devotees and devout Buddhist friends, all of whom collectively bowed to the Elder. After bowing, they each took their seats. Below the hall, drums and pipes played, while above, string music and songs accompanied the wine feast. At this grand banquet, Bajie intently said to Sandy, "Brother, eat your fill without restraint. Once we leave Squire Kou's house, we won't find such lavish food again!" Sandy chuckled, "What are you talking about, Second Brother! As the saying goes, 'A hundred delicacies, but one stomach-full is enough.' There may be secret paths, but there's no secret stomach!" Bajie said, "You're too useless, too useless! If I eat my fill this meal, I won't be hungry for three days!" Sun Wukong overheard and said, "Idiot, don't burst your belly! We have to walk now!"

No sooner had they spoken than the sun was nearing its zenith. The Elder, from his seat, raised his chopsticks and recited the meal-ending scripture. Bajie panicked, grabbed the rice refill, ate bowl after bowl in quick succession, downing five or six more bowls. He then indiscriminately stuffed his two sleeves full of steamed buns, rolls, cakes, and pastries, before finally rising with his master. The Elder thanked the squire, then thanked everyone else, and together they exited the gate. Outside, colorful banners and ornate canopies were displayed, along with drummers and musicians. They also saw the two groups of monks and Daoists just arriving. The squire chuckled, "Gentlemen, you've arrived late, and the Master is in a hurry, so I regret being unable to offer you a meal now. I shall thank you upon his return." Everyone yielded to discuss the path, some carrying palanquins, some riding horses, and some walking, all allowing the Elder and his four disciples to go ahead. They heard drums and music echoing to the heavens, banners obscuring the sun. Crowds gathered, and carriages and horses filled the roads, all coming to see Squire Kou bid farewell to Tripitaka. This display of wealth and honor truly surpassed any bejeweled splendor, genuinely rivaling a spring day hidden within an embroidered tent!

One group of monks performed a set of Buddhist tunes; the other group of Daoists played a profound Daoist melody, both escorting them beyond the prefectural city. When they reached the Ten-Li Pavilion, there were simple provisions and drinks laid out. They raised cups and drank, bidding each other farewell. The squire was still reluctant to part, tears in his eyes, saying, "Venerable Master, when you return with the scriptures, you must, absolutely must, stay a few more days at my humble home to fulfill my heart's wish, Kou Hong's heart!" Tripitaka was endlessly grateful and thanked him profusely, saying, "If I reach Spirit Mountain and see the Buddha, I will first report your great virtue, Squire. Upon my return, I will certainly come to your door and thank you, thank you!" As they spoke, they unknowingly traveled another two or three *li*. The Elder earnestly bowed his farewell, and the squire burst into tears as he turned back. This truly illustrates: Those with the vow to host monks return to perfect enlightenment, while those without the karmic affinity may never see the Tathagata Buddha.

Leaving aside Squire Kou returning home with his company after seeing them off at the Ten-Li Pavilion, let's speak of the master and his three disciples. After traveling some forty or fifty *li*, the sky began to darken. The Elder asked, "It's getting late. Where can we find lodging?" Bajie, carrying the pole and pouting his lips, grumbled, "We gave up readily available food and a cool, tiled house, only to walk endlessly like people rushing to a funeral! Now that it's late, what if it starts to rain?" Tripitaka cursed, "You wicked beast, complaining again! As the saying goes, 'Though Chang'an is good, it is not a home to linger in.' When we have the karmic affinity to worship the Buddha and obtain the true scriptures, then, upon returning to the Great Tang and reporting to His Majesty, you can eat the imperial kitchen's food to your heart's content for several years, until you burst, you beast, making you a bloated ghost!" The idiot chuckled to himself nervously, not daring to speak again.

Sun Wukong looked up and scanned the distance, spotting some buildings by the main road. He quickly urged his master, "We can rest there, rest there!" The Elder approached and saw a collapsed archway. On the archway, there was an old plaque with four large, faded, dust-covered characters: 'Huaguang Monastery'. The Elder dismounted and said, "Huaguang Bodhisattva is a disciple of the Flame-Five-Light Buddha. He was demoted for subduing the Poison-Fire Ghost King and transformed into the Five Manifesting Spiritual Official. There must be a temple caretaker here." They all entered together, only to find the verandas collapsed and the walls crumbling. There was no trace of human presence, only overgrown weeds and dense thickets. Just as they were about to withdraw, black clouds suddenly covered the sky, and torrential rain poured down. Having no other choice, they huddled under the dilapidated building, finding a spot that offered some shelter from the wind and rain. They remained silent and still, not daring to speak loudly for fear of alerting any evil spirits. Some sat, some stood, enduring a sleepless night. Alas! Truly it is: prosperity gives way to decline, joy meets sorrow. Ultimately, it is unknown what awaits them at daybreak, or how they will proceed. Let's listen to the next chapter for the full explanation.