The Journey to the West, Revised Edition, Volume 1

by Unknown

  Pilgrim ran up and was about to strike with his rod, but he was stopped by the Bodhisattva, who said to him, “Great Sage, do not harm him. I have to take him back to see Tathāgata. Originally he was a rodent at the foot of the Spirit Mountain who had acquired the Way. Because he stole some of the pure oil in the crystal chalice, he fled for fear that the vajra attendants would seize him. Tathāgata thought that he was not guilty of death, and that is why I was asked to capture him in the first place and banish him to this region. But now he has offended the Great Sage and has attempted to harm the Tang Monk. Therefore I must take him to see Tathāgata so that his guilt may be clearly established. Only then will this merit be completed.” When Pilgrim heard this, he thanked the Bodhisattva, who left for the West, and we shall say no more of that.

  We now tell you about Zhu Eight Rules, who was thinking about Pilgrim in the woods when he heard someone calling down by the slope, “Brother Wuneng, bring the horse and the luggage here.” Recognizing Pilgrim’s voice, Idiot quickly ran out of the woods and said to Pilgrim, “Elder Brother, how did everything go?” “I invited the Bodhisattva Lingji to come here,” said Pilgrim, “to use his Flying-Dragon Staff to capture the monster. He was a mink with yellow fur who became a spirit and has now been taken by the Bodhisattva to Spirit Mountain to face Tathāgata. Let’s go into the cave to rescue Master.” Idiot was delighted. The two of them smashed their way into the cave and with their rake and rod slaughtered all the wily hares, the vixen, the musk deer, and the horned deer. Then they went to the garden in the back to rescue their master, who, after coming out, asked, “How did you two manage to catch the monster so that you could rescue me?” Pilgrim gave a thorough account of how he went to seek the Bodhisattva’s help to subdue the monster, and the master thanked him profusely. Then the two brothers found some vegetarian food in the cave, which they prepared along with some tea and rice. After eating, they left and again found the road to the West. We do not know what took place hereafter; let’s listen to the explanation in the next chapter.

  TWENTY-TWO

  Eight Rules fights fiercely at the Flowing-Sand River;

  Mokṣa by order receives Wujing’s submission.

  Now we tell you about the Tang Monk and his disciples, the three travelers, who were delivered from their ordeal. In less than a day they passed the Yellow Wind Mountain and proceeded toward the West through a vast level plain. Time went by swiftly, and summer yielded to the arrival of autumn. All they saw were some

  Cold cicadas sing on dying willows

  As the Great Fire rolls toward the West.

  As they proceeded, they came upon a huge and turbulent river, its waves surging and splashing. “Disciples,” exclaimed Tripitaka, “look at that vast expanse of water in front of us. Why are there no boats in sight? How can we get across?” Taking a close look, Eight Rules said, “It’s very turbulent, too rough for any boat!” Pilgrim leaped into the air and peered into the distance, shading his eyes with his hand. Even he became somewhat frightened and said, “Master, it’s truly hard! Truly hard! If old Monkey wishes to cross this river, he need only make one twist of his body and he will reach the other shore. But for you, Master, it’s a thousand times more difficult, for you can’t traverse it even in ten thousand years!”

  “I can’t even see the other shore from here,” said Tripitaka. “Really, how wide is it?”

  “It’s just about eight hundred miles wide,” said Pilgrim. “Elder Brother,” said Eight Rules, “how could you determine its width just like that?”

  “To tell you the truth, Worthy Brother,” said Pilgrim, “these eyes of mine can determine good or evil up to a thousand miles away in daylight. Just now when I was up in the air, I could not tell how long the river was, but I could make out its width to be at least eight hundred miles.”

  Sighing anxiously, the elder pulled back his horse and suddenly discovered on the shore a slab of stone. When the three of them drew closer to have a look, they saw three words written in seal-script (“Flowing-Sand River”) below which there were also four lines written in regular style. It read:

  These Flowing-Sand metes, eight hundred wide;

  These Weak Waters, three thousand deep.

  A goose feather cannot stay afloat;

  A rush petal will sink to the bottom.

  As master and disciples were reading the inscription, the waves in the river suddenly rose like tall mountains, and with a loud splash from the midst of the waters a monster sprang out. Looking most savage and hideous, he had

  A head full of tousled and flame-like hair;

  A pair of bright, round eyes which shone like lamps;

  An indigo face, neither black nor green;

  An old dragon’s voice like thunderclap or drum.

  He wore a cape of light yellow goose down.

  Two strands of white reeds tied around his waist.

  Beneath his chin nine skulls were strung and hung;

  His hands held an awesome priestly staff.

  Like a cyclone, the fiend rushed up to the shore and went straight for the Tang Monk. Pilgrim was so taken aback that he grabbed his master and dashed for high ground to make the escape. Putting down the pole, Eight Rules whipped out his rake and brought it down hard on the monster. The fiend used his staff to parry the blow, and so the two of them began to unleash their power on the bank of the Flowing-Sand River. This was some battle!

  The nine-pronged rake;

  The fiend-routing staff;

  These two met in battle on the river shore.

  This one was the Marshal of Heavenly Reeds:

  That one was the Curtain-Raising Captain by the Throne.

  In years past they met in Divine Mists Hall;

  Today they fought and waged a test of might.

  From this one the rake went out like a dragon stretching its claws;

  From that one the staff blocked the way like a sharp-tusked elephant.

  They stood with their limbs outstretched;

  Each struck at the other’s rib cage.

  This one raked madly, heedless of head or face;

  That one struck wildly without pause or rest.

  This one was a cannibal spirit, long a lord of Flowing-Sand;

  That one was a Way-seeking fighter upholding Law and Faith.

  Closing in again and again, the two of them fought for twenty rounds, but neither emerged the victor.

  The Great Sage meanwhile was standing there to protect the Tang Monk. As he held the horse and guarded the luggage, he became so aroused by the sight of Eight Rules engaging that fiend that he ground his teeth and rubbed his hands vehemently. Finally he could not restrain himself—whipping out the rod, he said, “Master, sit here and don’t be afraid. Let old Monkey go play with him a little.” The master begged in vain for him to stay, and with a loud whoop he leaped forward. The monster, you see, was just having a grand time fighting with Eight Rules, the two of them so tightly locked in combat that nothing seemed able to part them. Pilgrim, however, rushed up to the monster and delivered a terrific blow at his head with his iron rod. The monster was so shaken that he jumped aside: turning around he dove straight into the Flowing-Sand River and disappeared. Eight Rules was so upset that he leaped about wildly, crying, “Elder Brother! Who asked you to come? The monster was gradually weakening and was finding it difficult to parry my rake. Another four or five rounds and I would have captured him. But when he saw how fierce you were, he fled in defeat. Now, what shall we do?” “Brother,” said Pilgrim laughing, “to tell you the truth, since defeating the Yellow Wind Fiend a month ago, I have not played with my rod all this time after leaving the mountain.1 When I saw how delicious your fight with him was, I couldn’t stand the itch beneath my feet! That’s why I jumped up here to have some fun with him. That monster doesn’t know how to play, and I suppose that’s the reason for his departure.”

  Holding hands and teasing each other, the two of them returned to the Tang Monk. “Did you catch the monster?” asked th
e Tang Monk. “He didn’t last out the fight,” said Pilgrim, “and he scrambled back to the water in defeat.” “Disciple,” said Tripitaka, “since this monster has probably lived here a long time, he ought to know the deep and the shallow parts of the river. After all, such a boundless body of weak water, and not a boat in sight—we need someone who is familiar with the region to lead us across.” “Exactly!” said Pilgrim. “As the proverb says,

  He who’s near cinnabar turns red;

  He who’s near ink becomes black.

  The monster living here must have a good knowledge of the water. When we catch him, we should not slay him, but just make him take Master across the river before we dispose of him.” “Elder Brother,” said Eight Rules, “no need for further delay. You go ahead and catch him, while old Hog guards our master.”

  “Worthy Brother,” said Pilgrim with a laugh, “in this case I’ve really nothing to brag about, for I’m just not comfortable doing business in water. If all I do is walk around down there, I still have to make the magic sign and recite the water-repelling spell before I can move anywhere. Or else I have to change into a water creature like a fish, shrimp, crab, or turtle before going in. If it were a matter of matching wits in the high mountains or up in the clouds, I know enough to deal with the strangest and most difficult situation. But doing business in water somewhat cramps my style!”

  “When I was Marshal of the Heavenly River in former years,” said Eight Rules, “I commanded a naval force of eighty thousand men, and I acquired some knowledge of that element. But I fear that that monster may have a few relatives down there in his den, and I won’t be able to withstand him if his seventh and eighth cousins all come out. What will happen to me then if they grab me?” “If you go into the water to fight him,” said Pilgrim, “don’t tarry. Make sure, in fact, that you feign defeat and entice him out here. Then old Monkey will help you.” “Right you are,” said Eight Rules. “I’m off!” He took off his blue silk shirt and his shoes; holding the rake with both hands, he divided the waters to make a path for himself. Using the ability he had developed in bygone years, he leaped through billows and waves and headed for the bottom of the river.

  We now tell you about that monster, who went back to his home in defeat. He had barely caught his breath when he heard someone pushing water, and as he rose to take a look, he saw Eight Rules pushing his way through with his rake. That monster lifted his staff and met him face to face, crying, “Monk, watch where you are going or you’ll receive a blow from this!” Using the rake to block the blow, Eight Rules said, “What sort of a monster are you that you dare to bar our way?” “So you don’t recognize me,” said the monster. “I’m no demon or fiend, nor do I lack a name or surname.” “If you are no demon or fiend,” said Eight Rules, “why do you stay here and take human lives? Tell me your name and surname, and I’ll spare your life.” The monster said:

  “My spirit was strong since the time of birth.

  I once made a tour of the universe,

  Where my fame as a hero became well-known—

  A gallant type for all to emulate.

  Through countless nations I went as I pleased;

  Over lakes and seas I did freely roam.

  To learn the Way I strayed to Heaven’s edge;

  To find a teacher I stumped this great earth.

  For years my clothes and alms bowl went with me:

  Not for one day did my spirit turn lax.

  For scores of times I cruised cloudlike the earth

  And walked to all places a hundred times.

  Only then a true immortal I did meet,

  Who showed me the Great Path of Golden Light.

  I took back Baby Boy and Fair Girl first;2

  Then released Wood Mother and Squire of Gold.3

  Bright Hall’s4 kidney-brine flooded Floral Pool;5

  The Tower’s6 liver-fire plunged to the heart.

  Three thousand merits done, I saw Heaven’s face

  And solemnly worshipped the Point of Light.

  Then the Jade Emperor exalted me;

  The Curtain-Raising Captain he made me.

  An honored one in South Heaven Gate,

  I was much esteemed at Divine Mists Hall.

  I hung at my waist the Tiger-Headed Shield:

  I held in my hands the Fiend-Routing Staff.

  Just like the sunlight my gold helmet shone;

  My body’s armor flashed like radiant mists.

  I was chief of the guardians of the Throne:

  I was first as attendant of the court.

  When Queen Mother gave the Festival of Peach—

  She served her guests at Jasper Pool a feast—

  I dropped and broke a glass-like cup of jade,

  And souls from all the hosts of Heaven fled.

  Jade Emperor grew mightily enraged;

  Hands clasped, he faced his counsel on the left.

  Stripped of my hat, my armor, and my rank,

  I had my whole body pushed to the block.

  Only the Great Immortal, Naked Feet,

  Came from the ranks and begged to have me freed.

  Pardoned from death and with my sentence stayed,

  I was sent to the shores of Flowing-Sand.

  Sated, I lie wearily in the stream;

  Famished, I churn the waves to find my feed.

  The woodsman sees me and his life is gone;

  The fishers face me and they soon perish.

  From first to last I’ve eaten many men;

  Over and over I took human lives.

  Since you dare to work violence at my door,

  My stomach this day has its fondest hopes!

  Don’t say you’re too coarse to be eaten now.

  I’ll catch you, and look, that’s my minced meat sauce!”

  Infuriated by what he heard, Eight Rules shouted, “You brazen thing! You haven’t the slightest perception! Old Hog is tempting enough to make people’s mouths water, and you dare say that I’m coarse, that I’m to be chopped up for a chopped meat sauce! Come to think of it, you would like to consider me a piece of tough old bacon! Watch your manners and swallow this rake of your ancestor!” When the monster saw the rake coming, he used the style of “the phoenix nodding its head” to dodge the blow. The two of them thus fought to the surface of the water, each one treading the waters and waves. This conflict was somewhat different from the one before. Look at

  The Curtain-Raising Captain,

  The Marshal of Heavenly Reeds:

  Each showing most nicely his magic might.

  This one waved above his head the fiend-routing staff:

  That one moved the rake as swiftly as his hand.

  The vaulting waves rocked hills and streams;

  The surging tide the cosmos dimmed.

  Savage like Jupiter wielding banners and flags!

  Fierce like Hell’s envoy upsetting sacred tops!

  This one guarded the Tang Monk devotedly;

  That one, a water fiend, perpetrated his crimes.

  The rake’s one stroke would leave nine red marks:

  The staffs one blow would dissolve man’s soul.

  They strove to win the fight;

  They struggled to prevail.

  All in all for the scripture pilgrim’s sake,

  They vented their fury without restraint.

  They brawled till carps and perches lost their newborn scales,

  And all turtles damaged their tender shells.

  Red shrimps and purple crabs all lost their lives,

  And sundry water gods all upward bowed!

  You heard only the waves rolled and crashed like thunderclaps.

  The world amazed saw sun and moon grow dark!

  The two of them fought for two hours, and neither prevailed. It was like

  A brass pan meeting an iron broom,

  A jade gong facing a golden bell.

  We now tell you about the Great Sage, who was standing guard beside the Tang Monk. With bulging eyes
he watched them fighting on the water, but he dared not lift his hands. Finally, Eight Rules made a half-hearted blow with his rake and, feigning defeat, turned to flee toward the eastern shore. The monster gave chase and was about to reach the river bank when our Pilgrim could no longer restrain himself. He abandoned his master, whipped out the iron rod, leaped to the riverside and struck at the monster’s head. Fearing to face him, the monster swiftly dove back into the river. “You BanHorsePlague!” shouted Eight Rules. “You impulsive ape! Can’t you be a bit more patient? You could have waited until I led him up to high ground and then blocked his path to the river. We would have caught him then. Now he has gone back in, and when do you think he’ll come out again?” “Idiot,” said Pilgrim laughing, “stop shouting! Let’s go talk to Master first.”

  Eight Rules went with Pilgrim back to high ground to Tripitaka. “Disciple,” said Tripitaka, bowing, “you must be tired!” “I won’t complain about my fatigue,” said Eight Rules. “Let’s subdue the monster and take you across the river. Only that plan is perfect!” Tripitaka said, “How did the battle go with the monster just now?” “He was just about my equal,” said Eight Rules, “and we fought to a draw. But then I feigned defeat and he chased me up to the bank. When he saw Elder Brother lifting his rod, however, he fled.” “So what are we going to do?” asked Tripitaka. “Master, relax!” said Pilgrim. “Let’s not worry now, for it’s getting late. You sit here on the cliff and let old Monkey go beg some vegetarian food. Take some rest after you eat, and we’ll find a solution tomorrow.” “You are right,” said Eight Rules. “Go, and come back quickly.”