On the way to learn the scriptures, the five Tang monks and apprentices have their own unique skills, but they are mutually restrictive. This seemingly coincidental combination is actually a hidden mystery. The names of the five people carefully selected by Guanyin Bodhisattva are closely related to the way of the five elements, showing the profundity of the wisdom of Buddhism.
As one of the four masterpieces of classical Chinese novels, "Journey to the West" is known for its rich imagination and profound meaning. The novel is based on Tang monk Xitian learning scriptures, depicting a fantasy world where gods and demons coexist. However, behind this seemingly absurd story, there is the ingenuity of the author Wu Chengen.
The origin of the road of learning scriptures can be traced back to the section of "Tang Taizong sleepwalking in the underworld". Although this event is often overlooked in later adaptations, it is a key starting point for the whole story. It is precisely because of Li Shimin's reverence for Buddhism that he paved the way for the Western Heaven to learn scriptures. If the Buddha instructed Guanyin Bodhisattva to find a suitable person to learn the scriptures, it was actually to spread Buddhism in Nanzhan Buzhou and consolidate his position in Lingshan.
The five people selected by Guanyin Bodhisattva have their own characteristics: Tang Seng is the second disciple of Rulai, and the other four are all related to Taoism. Their common trait is that they have been punished for their mistakes. This arrangement not only reflects the cooperation between Buddhism and Taoism, but also implies that the path of learning scriptures is a journey of redemption and growth.
The subtlety of these five-member duo lies in the ingenious correspondence between their names and the Five Elements Doctrine. The Monkey King represents gold, and its copper head and iron bones reflect the characteristics of gold. Zhu Bajie has both the attributes of water and wood, both because of his identity as a marshal of the canopy, and because of his pig form. Although Tang Seng is a mortal, he has the impatience of fire and the tenacity of wood. Sha Wujing is named after sand and soil, but he lives in the quicksand river for a long time, which embodies the characteristics of soil and water. The white dragon horse's name is Ao Lie, which has both the water nature of the dragon and the fierce fire energy.
The combination of these five elements makes the scripture learning team able to check and balance each other and promote each other in the face of many difficulties. The wisdom of the Buddha is not only reflected in the selection and appointment of people, but also in the careful arrangement of the entire process of learning scriptures. This arrangement is not only in line with the Buddhist idea of salvation, but also alludes to the traditional Chinese philosophy of the five elements.
Wu Chengen showed his profound cultural heritage and unique creative talent through "Journey to the West". He skillfully integrates traditional cultural elements such as Buddhism and Taoism and the Five Elements Doctrine into the story, creating a fantasy world that is both imaginative and contains profound philosophies. This creative technique not only enriches the connotation of the novel, but also provides a multi-level interpretation space for future readers.
In contemporary society, the ideological value of "Journey to the West" is still alive. It tells us that each member of the team has their own unique value, and that great things can only be achieved if they are inclusive and complementary to each other. At the same time, it also enlightens us that in the face of various trials in the journey of life, we should be like Tang monks and apprentices, adhere to faith and move forward bravely.