Analysis of the Final Chapter of "Journey to the West": The Karma and Final Destination of "Five Saints Becoming True"

Brief Introduction

In Wu Cheng'en's classical masterpiece, Journey to the West, the phrase "Five Saints Becoming True" marks the final destination of the scripture-seeking team after enduring 81 tribulations. This plot point appears in the 100th chapter of the book. After escorting Tang Seng to Ling Shan (Spirit Mountain), the master and his four disciples did not return directly to the Eastern Land but were retained by Tathagata Buddha for rewards. This is not only the conclusion of the story but also a concrete embodiment of the Buddhist concept of "completion of merit," symbolizing the ultimate transformation from the mortal to the divine.

Core Knowledge Points

"Five Saints Becoming True" specifically refers to the five members of the scripture-seeking team receiving titles at Ling Shan, each corresponding to their characteristics and contributions during their cultivation process:

1. Tang Seng (Xuanzang): Conferred as the Buddha of Sandalwood Merit. Due to his firm will and unwavering original intention despite hardships, he accumulated profound merit, representing the main subject of cultivation.
2. Sun Wukong: Conferred as the Victorious Fighting Buddha. Although once the demon king who wreaked havoc in Heaven, he achieved true fruition through his achievements in subduing demons and cultivating his mind. He is the only one in the team to become a Buddha, representing the taming of the "Mind Monkey."
3. Zhu Bajie: Conferred as the Pure Altar Messenger. Due to his large appetite and limited capability, the Buddha deemed this position suitable for him to enjoy offerings. Although he did not become a Buddha, he attained true fruition, representing the transformation of desire.
4. Sha Seng: Conferred as the Golden Body Arhat. Due to his honesty and loyalty in carrying the load and protecting the master, his achievements, while not matching Wukong's, were superior in persistence, representing steadfast execution.
5. White Dragon Horse: Conferred as the Bodhisattva of the Eight-Department Heavenly Dragons. As the mount, it silently endured hardships, eventually escaping the animal realm to be ranked among Bodhisattvas, representing the power of silent dedication.

Connection with Book Content

"Five Saints Becoming True" forms a strict logical loop with the beginning of the book and the scripture-seeking process.

First, it echoes the character arcs. Sun Wukong's transformation from "Great Sage Equal to Heaven" to "Victorious Fighting Buddha" completes the shift from resisting order to maintaining order. Zhu Bajie's evolution from gluttony and lust to "Pure Altar" reflects the sublimation of desire rather than its complete elimination, adding a sense of human realism.

Second, it emphasizes karma and retribution. The book frequently mentions "completion of merit and conduct." The titles of the Five Saints were not given arbitrarily but were based on their specific performance on the journey. Additionally, before the ending, there was the episode of the "Wordless Scripture," where the four master and disciples returned to Ling Shan to retrieve the scriptures again because they were blank. This plot metaphorically illustrates the Buddhist philosophy of "Emptiness is Form" and adds twists and realism to the final "Five Saints Becoming True," indicating that true fruition is not easily obtained.

Finally, this ending establishes the religious and philosophical tone of Journey to the West. The scripture-seeking journey was not merely geographical movement but spiritual purification. The "Five Saints Becoming True" means that inner demons have been removed and the true scriptures have been obtained, completing the sublimation from "seeking scriptures in the West" to "seeking scriptures in the heart."

In summary, "Five Saints Becoming True" is not only the perfect ending of Journey to the West but also an eternal hymn to perseverance, dedication, and self-transcendence, leaving readers with profound cultural insights.