The Ginseng Fruit Tree: A Celestial Treasure in Journey to the West and the Mystery of "Falling upon Gold, Entering upon Earth"

Brief Introduction

The Ginseng Fruit Tree, also known as "Cao Huan Dan" (Grass Restoring Pill), is a legendary celestial treasure in the Ming Dynasty mythological novel Journey to the West. It grows in the Wuzhuang Temple (Temple of the Five Constants) on Mount Wanshou in the Western Continent of Niuhe. It is the prized possession of Zhenyuan Daxian, the Ancestor of Earthly Immortals. This tree is not only a symbol of immortality, but its unique growth characteristics—"falling upon gold, entering upon earth"—have become widely circulated knowledge points in Chinese mythological culture. In the book, the Ginseng Fruit resembles a human child in appearance, hence the alias "Cao Huan Dan," making it a rare top-tier celestial fruit in heaven and earth.

Core Knowledge Analysis

1. Growth Cycle and Effects
The Ginseng Fruit Tree grows extremely slowly. It flowers once every three thousand years, bears fruit once every three thousand years, and takes another three thousand years to ripen. In short, it takes ten thousand years before it can be eaten. Its effects are astonishing: merely smelling it can extend one's life by 360 years, while eating one fruit can extend life by 47,000 years. It is the ultimate treasure dreamed of by those seeking longevity.

2. The Truth Behind "Falling upon Gold"
The book records that harvesting Ginseng Fruit requires a specially crafted "Gold Striker" (Jin Jizi) to knock it down. Not all metals can cause the fruit to fall; rather, it refers to Zhenyuan Daxian holding the Gold Striker and gently striking, causing the fruit to drift down with the wind. This reflects the uniqueness of celestial artifacts and explains why mortals cannot easily harvest them.

3. The Characteristic of "Entering upon Earth"
Once the Ginseng Fruit hits the ground, if it is not caught in time, it will automatically drill into the soil and disappear, hence the term "entering upon earth." Additionally, if the tree's roots are destroyed, it must be replanted in the soil and watered with nectar to bring it back to life. This symbolizes the profound connection between life and the earth.

Connection to the Plot of Journey to the West

In Chapter 26 of Journey to the West, titled "Three Strikes on the Ginseng Tree, The Great Immortal Returns to His Cave," the Ginseng Fruit Tree is the core point of conflict. When Tang Monk and his disciples pass by the Wuzhuang Temple, Sun Wukong, dissatisfied with the neglect shown by Zhenyuan Daxian's attendants, steals the fruit to give to his master. Unexpectedly, Zhenyuan Daxian returns, discovers the tree has been damaged, and captures the master and disciples.

To save the tree, Sun Wukong travels far and wide, first seeking help from the Dragon Kings of the Four Seas and the Three Pure Ones, but all fail. Finally, with the help of Guanyin Bodhisattva, the tree is revived by watering it with nectar from her Jade Net Bottle. This plot not only demonstrates the preciousness of the Ginseng Fruit but also reflects the interaction between the Buddhist and Taoist celestial systems, as well as Sun Wukong's growth journey from mischievous to mature.

Cultural Significance

As a classic imagery in Journey to the West, the Ginseng Fruit Tree blends Taoist health cultivation concepts with mythological imagination. Its characteristics of "falling upon gold and entering upon earth" are actually a romanticized expression of the cycle of life and celestial tools in ancient mythology. To this day, it continues to influence Chinese literature and film creation.