The Battle in Journey to the West-Chapter 46 - 0 Cai Yin Purifies Water and Visits the

In the past few months, Shemoteng and Zhufalan had traveled among the small countries on the borders of West Cow He State, spreading the Buddhist Law. The locals here were extremely devout followers of Buddhism. By the time they reached this city, the City Lord had already heard much about them. After discussing Buddhism once, he felt utterly convinced! The two monks had demonstrated their Divine Skills in the city by helping some poor citizens, which made their reputation even greater. Cai Yin’s arrival was well-timed.

Cai Yin then said, “Then I must trouble you, Lord City Lord! My Emperor has long admired the Western Saints, and by inviting these two back to spread the Buddhist Law, his wish will finally be fulfilled.”

The City Lord said, “The Son of Heaven of the Great Han is indeed profoundly wise, but Lord Cai is also a capable and efficient official, able to resolve the Emperor’s concerns.”

Cai Yin replied hastily, “I dare not accept such praise, Lord City Lord, you flatter me too much. May we invite the two Holy Monks over now?”

The City Lord laughed, “Lord Cai, you are too anxious. You have traveled a long way and faced the hardships of the road; you should rest properly first. Tomorrow, I will introduce you to them.”

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Cai Yin nodded and exclaimed in delight, “Good, very good! Then I must trouble you, Lord City Lord.” He thought to himself, “The Emperor’s mission is finally completed successfully, I should also be promoted and leave my name in history.”

The envoys from the Great Han indulged deeply in the City Lord’s Mansion; the hardships of the past few months had been tough. Now they could finally enjoy good food and rest, and tomorrow, they would meet the person the Emperor wished for and soon return to the Great Han.

After a feast that night, the envoys of the Han Dynasty all retired to the guest rooms arranged by the City Lord, naturally attended by the beauties of the Western Regions. A night of indulgence ensued, the delights of which need not be overly described.

The next day, awoken by the attendance of Hu Ji and dressed in official robes, it was already well into the morning.

Cai Yin and other envoys arrived at the City Lord’s mansion to request the introduction to the Western Saint, the Buddha whom Emperor Ming had dreamed of.

In fact, the Golden Man whom Emperor Ming, Liu Zhuang, had dreamt of was none other than Tathagata bestowing the dream. However, given the exalted status of Tathagata, the Respectful Ruler of the World, how could he descend from his high position to reincarnate? Years ago, to spread the Buddhist Law in West Cow He State, Tathagata reincarnated as Siddhartha Gautama Buddha, becoming a prince, practicing Buddhist Law, and after five hundred years, Achieved Buddhahood, thus spreading the Buddhist Law throughout the Western Regions. However, practicing Zen indeed led to the downfall of his kingdom, and it is undeniable that his nation perished as a result. As for those whose pursuit of Zen caused mental disorders or psychosis, their stories are too numerous to document.

The City Lord said, “Please follow me to the nearest temple to meet the two Holy Monks, esteemed envoys.”

A subordinate of Cai Yin couldn’t help frowning and retorted, “We are envoys of the Great Han; why don’t those two monks come to meet us?!”

The City Lord felt displeased internally and said, “The two monks are Enlightened Ones, free of worldly desires, and it is usually we who seek them out for matters.”

Cai Yin promptly said, “Enough! Do not be rude. These two monks are Western Saints, specifically invited by the Emperor to bring the teachings back to our country. Would you ruin the Emperor’s grand plan?”

As the leader of the group, with Cai Yin speaking, naturally, no one dared to say anything more. Initially, the City Lord was displeased, but he was cheered by Cai Yin’s words. He was a devout Buddhist and certainly did not wish to hear others speak ill of Buddhism. The Great Divine Power and enlightenment of Shemoteng and Zhufalan greatly impressed him, and seeing the disrespect from the Great Han envoys, had it not been for fear of his country facing repercussions from the Great Han, he might have cursed openly. The Han Dynasty was so powerful that, despite the great distance separating Jingshui Country from the Great Han, they definitely had the capability to deploy troops and conquer Jingshui Country.

“My lords, please follow me,” the City Lord said, leading the way, and the delegation from the Han Dynasty followed closely behind.

This temple was a branch of the Pure Water Temple, and in Jingshui Country, most temples bore the name Pure Water Temple. Upon setting foot in this region, Cai Yin and the others saw two streams of Buddha Light shimmering within the temple, as if there were Great Enlightened Ones meditating within. Suddenly, they also heard the chanting of Buddhist hymns, which delighted their spirits and soothed their bodies completely.

Cai Yin joyfully said, “Indeed, there are Great Saints, Great Enlightened Ones! This chanting makes my whole body relax as if all the soreness has vanished.”

Cai Yin and his companions faced wind and dust on their travels, and even as they rode horses, they felt wearied and sore all over. But as they approached the Pure Water Temple, they immediately felt as if all their fatigue was swept away.

“Lord Cai, please,” the City Lord said.

“Lord City Lord, please,” Cai Yin replied with a smile, feeling quite thrilled inside. After months of arduous travel, he felt the completion of his mission was in sight, filling him with joy.

The City Lord entered the temple and announced loudly, “Two Holy Monks, there is an Envoy from the Great Han of the Eastern Land seeking an audience!”

The chanting inside immediately ceased, and then two monks in kasayas with shaven heads appeared. These two had complexions white as jade; their lips were red and their teeth white; their large, bright eyes shone like stars, and their noses were well-shaped. They looked quite handsome, except for their shaved heads, which Cai Yin and his companions found rather odd.

Shemoteng said, “This humble monk has seen the Envoy of the Great Han; my Dharma name is Shemoteng.”

Zhufalan said, “This humble monk is Zhufalan; I’ve seen the honorable envoys.”

The Great Han being known as the Celestial Empire, hence the envoys of the Han Dynasty were called “Envoys of Heaven,” the messengers of Heaven, a title of honor. Liu Zhuang, revered as the current Emperor of the Eastern Land, was not comparable to the kings of these lesser nations. Even if Tathagata were to come, he would have to show respect to Liu Zhuang, as the Emperor of the Eastern Land was a carrier of the Heavenly Mandate. Although the saying “Divine right of kings” was a way for emperors to consolidate their thrones, each emperor was indeed born in conformity with the Heavenly Dao. For instance, Cheng Tang’s dynasty was fated to be destroyed; thus, Prince Xin of King Zhou emerged and indeed brought the dynasty down in no time; the Western Zhou was destined to rise, hence the emergence of the Civil and Martial Kings. Did not Ji Chang have a hundred sons? Could a common man possess such capability?

Cai Yin also pressed his hands together and bowed, saying, “I’ve seen the two Holy Monks; I am General Cai Yin, an envoy of the Great Han.”

The other envoys also paid their respects and introduced themselves; even the previously dissatisfied envoy no longer bore any arrogance, but felt close to the two men before him, who looked dignified and possessed a strange charm, inspiring a sense of awe.

Shemoteng and Zhufalan greeted each of the envoys reverently, one by one.

“Holy Monks Shemoteng and Zhufalan, our current Son of Heaven had a dream of a Golden Man walking in the palace, knowing this to be an auspicious sign sent from heaven, that the Golden Man represents the Buddha from the West. Therefore, he sent us to the West to seek Buddhism and ask the Dao, so we could escort you back to our Empire to spread the Way of the Dao and protect our dynasty,” Cai Yin said with clasped hands.

“Oh!” Shemoteng and Zhufalan exchanged glances and could not help but smile, as it seemed that what Bodhidharma had said was correct; the opportunity had come.

Zhufalan said, “Spreading the compassionate Law of Buddha is our lifelong great aspiration. Since Lord Cai and His Majesty of your country hold us in such high regard, we shall go!”

Shemoteng said, “That your nation’s envoys have traveled thousands of miles shows true sincerity. It is said that sincerity can move heaven and earth; we are but men, not stones, and shall naturally accompany Lord Cai to your country.”

Cai Yin rubbed his hands together gleefully, exclaiming, “Good, good, good! When do the two Holy Monks wish to depart?”

Shemoteng said, “Lord Cai has traveled a long way and must be exceedingly weary. Why not rest well here for two days, partake in vegetarian meals, and pray, and then we can start out together?”

Cai Yin, who had long been eager to learn some Buddhist teachings to get closer to the emperor upon his return and perhaps attain a promotion and wealth, was even more delighted to hear Shemoteng’s suggestion.

Cai Yin said with clasped hands, “Then I must thank the two Holy Monks immensely. I have long admired the Buddhist Sect, and I humbly request your esteemed teachings.”

Zhufalan and Shemoteng said in unison, “Certainly, certainly!”

Thus, the delegation from the Great Han settled down in the Pure Water Temple, listening daily to Shemoteng and Zhufalan expound the scriptures, finding the teachings of Buddhism profoundly awe-inspiring.

After all, whether the Buddhist teachings could be spread to the Eastern Land remains unknown. Please tune in next time for more details.