Chapter twenty-three
Sanzang does not forget his roots.
The Four Sages test Sanzang's heart.
sānzàngbùwàngběn三藏不忘本sìshèngshìchánxīn四圣试禅心
How to read this chart:
Journey Through Autumnal Landscapes
NarrativeThe four disciples continue their westward journey through autumn scenery. They discuss where to spend the night as Bajie complains about carrying heavy luggage while Wukong dismisses his concerns, emphasizing perseverance on the spiritual path.
Arrival at a Village with Auspicious Signs
Bodhisattva's Test IllusionThe group arrives at a secluded village marked by auspicious architecture. They wait outside the entrance for permission to request lodging, observing detailed carvings and couplets while Wukong explores inside.
Arrival at Widow's Home
Bodhisattva's Test IllusionThe pilgrims arrive at a widow’s home, seeking shelter. The widow seductively questions their presence and invites them inside for tea after Wukong explains their mission.
Wealthy Marriage Proposal
Bodhisattva's Test IllusionThe widow boasts of her vast wealth and proposes marriage to the pilgrims so they can inherit her fortune. Sanzang remains silent, while Bajie shows interest but is scolded by Sanzang for worldly desires.
Poetic Debate on Monastic Life
Bodhisattva's Test IllusionThe widow and Sanzang exchange poems contrasting domestic life with monastic discipline. The widow becomes angry when the pilgrims reject her proposal, accusing them of hypocrisy.
Refusal to Stay at the House
Bodhisattva's Test IllusionThe woman's anger leads Sanzang to ask Wukong and Bajie to stay. They refuse, emphasizing their monastic vows.
Bajie's Secret Visit with the Woman
Bodhisattva's Test IllusionBajie pretends to graze the horse but approaches the woman. He flirts with her, offering labor skills in exchange for marriage. The woman shows interest, and they discuss domestic responsibilities.
Wukong's Revelation and the Women's Appearance
Bodhisattva's Test IllusionWukong, as a dragonfly, overhears Bajie and reveals his interaction to Sanzang. The women return with red lanterns and incense burners, bowing to the pilgrims while their daughters' beauty is described in detail.
Arranged Betrothal
Bodhisattva's Test IllusionThe pilgrims arranges for Bajie to be betrothed to the daughters. Bajie hesitates, but Wukong mocks him into agreeing.
Failed Wedding Ceremony
Bodhisattva's Test IllusionBajie is blindfolded to choose a bride by catching one of her daughters, but he blunders about, slipping and tumbling, and never succeeds—his bumbling and comic greed obvious to all. The widow then offers silk undershirts studded with pearls, which Bajie eagerly tries on, only to end up helplessly trussed up in ropes, to the amusement of the onlookers.
Illusion Revealed
Bodhisattva's Test IllusionThe pilgrims wake up in a pine forest, realizing the entire village and its temptations were a supernatural illusion, a spiritual test created by the Four Sages and Bodhisattvas to assess Sanzang and his disciples' devotion to their quest. This ordeal was meant to reveal and help overcome their hidden worldly attachments, ensuring their resolve on the road to obtain scriptures.
Rescuing the Idiot and Preparing to Continue Journey
Bodhisattva's Test IllusionSanzang, motivated by both duty and compassion, insists on rescuing the hapless Bajie despite his antics. Wujing organizes the luggage and Wukong unties the horse as the disciples head into the woods—sharing relief and mild laughter over Bajie's comic misfortune—before preparing to continue their pilgrimage together.