The Mystery of Sarira in "Journey to the West": The Story Behind the Theft of Buddhist Treasures in the Kingdom of Sacrifice

Brief Introduction

Sarira, a transliteration of the Sanskrit term "Śarīra," typically refers to crystalline formations formed after the cremation of high-ranking monks in Buddhist culture, regarded as a symbol of cultivation achievements. In Wu Cheng'en's classical masterpiece, Journey to the West, the Sarira is not only a religious relic but also the core plot device driving the narrative of the "Kingdom of Sacrifice" chapter. This storyline not only showcases the order of the divine and Buddhist world but also metaphorically highlights the importance of faith and guardianship.

Core Knowledge Points

1. Mapping of Reality and Fiction
In real-world Buddhism, Sarira represents purity and merit. In Journey to the West, it is concretized as one of the "Three Buddhist Treasures" within the great pagoda of the Kingdom of Sacrifice (the other two being Buddha's Hair and Buddha's Robe). These treasures are usually enshrined within the pagoda, emitting ten thousand golden lights and a thousand auspicious auras, symbolizing national prosperity.

2. The Truth of the Theft
The Buddhist treasures did not vanish naturally but were stolen. The mastermind was the Nine-Headed Monster, son-in-law of the Dragon King of Bibo Lake, who colluded with the Green Lion Spirit, the Imperial Father-in-law of the Kingdom of Sacrifice. The two stole the treasures under the cover of night and hid them in the dragon palace of Bibo Lake, causing the pagoda of the Kingdom of Sacrifice to darken and the nation to decline, leaving the people in suffering.

3. Importance of the Treasures
The novel establishes that when the Buddhist treasures are present, the nation is peaceful and the people are safe; when the treasures are lost, demonic energy pervades. This setting emphasizes the influence of spiritual faith on secular order and introduces the mission of Tang Monk and his disciples to eliminate demons and restore peace.

Connection to the Book's Content

This storyline primarily corresponds to Chapters 77 to 79 of the original novel. When Tang Monk and his disciples pass through the Kingdom of Sacrifice, they observe black mist shrouding the top of the great pagoda. Wukong discovers the theft of the Buddhist treasures through investigation.

* Investigation and Battle: Sun Wukong transforms into a fly and infiltrates Bibo Lake to uncover the truth, subsequently wreaking havoc in the dragon palace. During the battle, Guanyin Bodhisattva appears to subdue the Green Lion Spirit (who is actually the mount of Manjushri Bodhisattva), while the Nine-Headed Monster is injured by Wukong and escapes.
* Outcome and Meaning: The Buddhist treasures are recovered, and the Kingdom of Sacrifice holds a Water and Land Dharma Assembly again. The golden light reappears atop the pagoda, and the nation restores its prosperity. This chapter not only demonstrates Sun Wukong's investigative abilities but also reveals the principle that "even gods and buddhas require vigilance"—even holy Buddhist sites can be exploited by demons if guarded poorly.

Conclusion

The story of Sarira in Journey to the West is a rare chapter in the genre of mythological novels that uses a "theft case" as its introduction. It combines traditional Chinese Buddhist culture with folklore. Through the process of the theft and recovery of the Buddhist treasures in the Kingdom of Sacrifice, it shapes Sun Wukong's heroic image of removing evil and bringing peace, while also leaving profound reflections on the guardianship of faith.

Keywords: Journey to the West, Sarira, Kingdom of Sacrifice, Nine-Headed Monster, Green Lion Spirit, Buddhist Culture