Chen Xuanzang: Analysis of the Origin of the Scripture Quest in Journey to the West and the Water-Land Dharma Assembly

Brief Introduction

Chen Xuanzang, the core character Tang Seng in the Chinese classical masterpiece Journey to the West, is historically prototyped after the famous Tang Dynasty high monk Xuanzang. In the novel's mythological setting, he is the reincarnation of Golden Cicada, the second disciple of the Tathagata Buddha, who was banished to the mortal realm for slighting Buddhist teachings. At the beginning of the story, he appears under his secular identity "Chen Xuanzang" and is selected by Emperor Taizong for presiding over the Water-Land Dharma Assembly in Chang'an, thus embarking on the long journey to the Western Heaven to retrieve scriptures. He is the leader of the scripture-retrieval team, symbolizing firm belief and compassion.

Core Knowledge Points

1. Dual Identity: He is both the historically real translator Xuanzang (secular surname Chen, name Yi) and the compassionate scripture seeker in the novel. This duality endows the character with profound cultural depth.
2. Water-Land Dharma Assembly: A large-scale Buddhist ceremony aimed at saving deceased souls and universal salvation. In the book, this is a national-level ceremony held by Emperor Taizong to appease the wronged souls in the underworld and repay the kindness of the netherworld, lasting for three days.
3. Opportunity for Retrieval: During the assembly, Guanyin Bodhisattva appears in the guise of a monk selling kasayas. She points out that Hinayana Buddhism cannot save Taizong, and only the Western Mahayana Buddhism can. This dialogue prompts him to make the great vow to retrieve scriptures, establishing the religious necessity of the quest.

Connection with the Book's Content

In Chapters 8 to 9 of Journey to the West, Chen Xuanzang's role is crucial. Emperor Taizong Li Shimin, after dreaming of a trip to the underworld and returning to life, deeply feels the impermanence of life and death, so he holds the Water-Land Dharma Assembly to save deceased souls. The court widely issues documents to invite high monks to preach scriptures. Xuanzang is selected as the presider due to his outstanding talent and eloquence.

However, on the third day of the assembly, Guanyin Bodhisattva appears as a monk. She points out that Hinayana Buddhism cannot save Taizong, and only Western Mahayana Buddhism can. Upon hearing this, Emperor Taizong immediately bows to Xuanzang as his teacher, grants him the title "Imperial Brother," and names him "Tang Seng." This plot is the turning point of the whole book: Chen Xuanzang transforms from a high monk in Chang'an to a scripture seeker.

The Water-Land Dharma Assembly is not only the background for Xuanzang's ordination but also the bridge connecting the two major storylines of "Returning from the Underworld" and "Quest for Scriptures in the Western Heaven." It establishes the political legitimacy (Imperial Brother) and religious legitimacy (Buddha's disciple) of Xuanzang's quest. Afterwards, Chen Xuanzang bids farewell to Chang'an and embarks on the epic journey of subduing demons and retrieving true scriptures, laying the tone for the latter part of Journey to the West.

Conclusion

Chen Xuanzang presiding over the Water-Land Dharma Assembly is the key starting point of the narrative logic in Journey to the West. It cleverly blends historical allusions with mythological imagination, giving the scripture quest a profound cultural background and dramatic tension, making it an indispensable link for understanding the entire work.