Chapter 7 Four, narrow escape

What Xuanzang did not expect finally happened: that afternoon, they were walking in the desert, and suddenly a group of flying cavalry sprang out from nowhere. They held up their knives and surrounded Xuanzang and several merchants. ... After Xuanzang drank enough water, the life on the verge of death came back to life again. He finally stood up, picked up his luggage and walked towards the oasis. Finally seeing the person, Xuanzang asked the passerby, "May I ask the benefactor, what country is this?" "Yiwu country." "Where is the Buddhist Temple in Yiwu Country?"

A monk happened to pass by, and when he heard about it, he saluted and said: "The master seems to have come from afar. Could it be that Master Xuanzang of the Tang Dynasty learned from Tianzhu?" Xuanzang hurriedly saluted and said, "The poor monk is right." "Ah! That's great. The abbot of our temple has been waiting for you for many days, so he sent me to inquire about you!" "Thank you so much." Xuanzang followed the monk to the Buddhist temple in Yiwu country, where he was warmly welcomed by the abbot of the temple and all the monks.The abbot and monks in the temple have long been waiting outside the gate of the temple.

The elder and abbot said to Xuanzang: "The mage came from afar, and I warmly welcome you." "Elder, you are welcome. Disciple Xie Elder welcomes you." Xuanzang put his palms together quickly and thanked him. Xuanzang lived in the Buddhist temple in Yiwu country for a few days and communicated with them, but Xuanzang was eager to go west, and he only stayed for a few days before he was ready to go on the road.The Buddhist monks of Yiwu Kingdom sent him out of the country, gave him a new horse, prepared enough water, dry food, clothes and quilts for him, and let him travel with several merchants.

Just happened to meet the envoy from Gao Changguo to pick him up, Xuanzang was very happy, now that he had a companion on the journey, he would not be lonely anymore.Xuanzang rode on a horse and headed westward chanting scriptures all the way. He thought that the difficulties had passed and the future would be safe. However, I did not expect to go into the big desert a few days later, and it is vast and boundless. However, this time, there is no need to worry, because the water is replenished, and I am traveling with merchants, and I will never encounter the 800-mile sand river again. It's tough.

However, something happened that Xuanzang did not expect: Suddenly, someone pointed to the sky and shouted: "Look at my God, a sandstorm is coming!" Xuanzang raised his head and followed what he was pointing at, only to see a black rock like a mountain suddenly appeared in the western sky, surrounded by red light, just like they fell down. "Lie down!" Xuanzang quickly put the horse down, and leaned himself beside the horse's belly, holding the reins tightly with both hands. Before he could cover his turban, he heard the roar of the wind, like the roar of a tiger and a lion... , Sand and stone fell down like raindrops, and the strong wind almost lifted Xuanzang up.He didn't care about the pain from the sand and stones hitting his head, he just held on to the reins tightly, put his head under the horse's belly desperately, and said in his mouth: "Amitabha, save the poor monk quickly."

Xuanzang struggled in the sandstorm until he almost fainted, and the wind gradually died down. The storm finally passed, Xuanzang was the first to get out from under the horse's belly, and saw: God!Not far from them, sand dunes were moved by the storm. Fortunately, they were not in the center of the sandstorm, otherwise they would be crushed to death by the sand dunes if they were not swept away. This was the biggest sandstorm he had encountered since the desert. Xuanzang counted the number of people. Fortunately, none of his companions were swept away, only two horses were missing. Xuanzang was glad that the sandstorm just passed by them, and he once again experienced the test of being taken away by the god of death.

But death still followed them closely. That afternoon, they were walking in the desert when suddenly a group of flying cavalry sprang out from nowhere. They held up their knives and surrounded Xuanzang and several merchants. The leader shouted: "Hand over all the money to me!" Xuanzang sighed: "It's over, I ran into a robber." The merchants were trembling with fright and obediently handed over their money. A fleeing merchant was caught up and tied up by the robbers, who were about to kill him.The bandit leader with a full face and a pair of evil eyes yelled at him: "You dare to run? See, I'm going to kill you soon!"

Xuanzang stood up, walked up to the bandit leader and shouted angrily: "How dare you kill him! Let him go and return the money to them! Otherwise, Buddhism will be intolerable, and you will be punished!" The robbers were all startled when they heard this, people who were robbed by them were always trembling, but today, this monk, afraid that the leopards would be gutted, dared to criticize them.So the bandit leader came over with a grinning grin, put the knife on Xuanzang's neck, and said with a sneer, "I heard that eating Tang's monk's meat can make you live forever. Today, we must try something new."

Xuanzang was not afraid when he heard this. He saw that not far away, the air flow in the desert under the sun was changing, and there seemed to be a reflection in the sky in the distance, so he had a quick wit, and sat on the sand dune with palms together and recited loudly: "Amitabha, Tathagata Buddha, come and punish these wicked people!" Hearing this, the bandit leader was furious. He raised his knife and cursed: "You still want to curse us, you must eat you today!" Just as he raised his knife to chop, suddenly a merchant pointed to the sky and shouted in surprise: "The Tathagata Buddha has come..."

The robbers turned their heads and saw: ah!Not far away, a big Buddha is approaching them from the sky with folded palms... "It's not good, the Bodhisattva has manifested!" After all, the robbers had a guilty conscience, thinking that it was this monk who prayed to the Tathagata Buddha.After a while, dark clouds surged in the sky and strong winds hit. The robbers thought that the Tathagata Buddha was really coming to punish them, so they threw down the money they had robbed, jumped on their horses and fled one by one. Finally, the danger was saved, and the merchants happily came together to thank Xuanzang: "Thank you, Master, for saving your life."

They thought it was Xuanzang who prayed for the coming of the Tathagata Buddha. In fact, Xuanzang saw the coming sandstorm, so he used his own reflection to pretend that the Tathagata Buddha was coming, and finally scared the gangsters away. They happily sent Tang Seng all the way to Gaochang country before going their separate ways. When Xuanzang arrived at Baili City in Gaochang Kingdom, it was noon, the sun was shining brightly in the sky, and the weather suddenly felt extremely hot, and sweat dripped down Xuanzang's cheeks. It turns out that Gaochang State (located in today's Turpan Basin) is extremely low and concave, surrounded by high mountains, and is a real plateau basin.Because the sun is strong and the heat cannot be dissipated, the temperature in summer can reach as high as 50 degrees, which is unbearably hot. Although it was still winter, it was still hot and sweaty at noon. Not far away is the Flaming Mountain, Xuanzang has long heard that there is a Hundred Li Flaming Mountain in Gaochang, which is incomparably majestic, seeing it today really lives up to its reputation.The Baili Mountains formed by brown-red rocks shone red in the strong sunlight. From a distance, it looked like a burning dragon spewing flames. Although he was sweating profusely from the heat, Xuanzang reined in his horse and watched. Looking at the raging flames, he was very excited.I thought to myself that I came here all the way to seek the Dharma. Although I have suffered so much, my enthusiasm for seeking the Dharma is growing day by day, like a flame burning hotter and hotter. I can't help but chant: The Baili River is scorching and spitting flames, and the scorching red light rushes ten thousand feet. Burning blazingly red for a long time, seeking the Dharma to fry the Flame Mountain. The monks in Baili City specially set up a fast meal and warmly entertained Xuanzang. At dusk, Xuanzang was going to rest here, but the envoy of King Gaochang flew to report that King Qu Wentai and his queen led all the officials to chant scriptures by candles, and waited for the master's visit in the capital all night. Xuanzang was very moved when he heard the words, so he packed up and set off again. In the evening, Xuanzang and his entourage rushed to the King’s City of Gaochang wearing the stars and wearing the moon. When they were about to arrive at the King’s City, they saw bright lights at the city gate and a crowd of people in the dark. It's been a long time. Xuanzang hurriedly dismounted and trotted over, bowed his head and said: "Amitabha, the poor monk pays homage to His Majesty the King." The king stepped forward and bowed respectfully: "I heard Master Xuanzang's name earlier, and I can meet you today, very lucky, very lucky." "The poor monk went to Tianzhu to learn scriptures and disturbed your country. I hope the king will forgive me." "Master, you are welcome. My country and I believe in Buddhism. My mother, queen mother, queen, and princess also respect Buddhist monks very much." The king introduced several ministers, queens and princesses to Xuanzang. When the young princess saw that Xuanzang looked exactly like the Tathagata Buddha, she was stunned for a moment and forgot to return the salute. The king invited: "Let the mage enter the palace and talk again." After entering the palace, the king set up a vegetarian restaurant to entertain Xuanzang.Several eminent monks accompanied him. The table is full of various dairy products, melons and fruits, honey food, rice, wheat cake... Gaochang State is an oasis in the desert, with fertile water and grass, rich in goat melons and fruits. It goes without saying that distinguished guests come from afar, and it is a grand banquet in the palace. The king said: "When I was young, I went to Chang'an with my father and was warmly received by the emperor of the Sui Dynasty. Your country is really a country with prosperous Buddhism and hospitality." Xuanzang smiled and said humbly: "Thanks to His Majesty's compliment." The king said again: "At that time, I was still young. I traveled with my father to the eastern and western capitals. I met many famous monks. Now I have admired the master's name for a long time. I had hoped to see it for a long time. Today, it is really extraordinary." "Where, where, the king has won the prize." The king arranged Yi Xuanzang to live in the harem and asked him to give lectures to Buddhist monks all over the country. Today, the weather is fine and the sun is shining brightly.On the square in front of the palace, a temporary pulpit was set up under several big trees.In the early morning, Xuanzang was invited to give lectures to the monks and laymen of Gaochang Kingdom. The king, queen, princess and ministers all attended the scene. Xuanzang was allowed to sit on the lectern, with King Qu Wentai, his queen, and princess sitting on his right, and on his left were two ministers of Gaochang Kingdom.Below the pulpit are monks and common people from all over the country who came to listen to the lecture, and guard soldiers stood around the square. Xuanzang had just finished speaking, and everyone was impressed by his superb Buddhist principles and were praising him.A Buddhist monk stood up and asked questions: "It is a great honor for me to be able to listen to the teachings of eminent monks today. There is only one problem that prevents me from reciting Buddha's name for a long time. I dare to ask the master, is there any realm of Nirvana in Buddhism?" Xuanzang stood up and replied: "The question raised by the noble monk is the focus of the debate in Buddhism today. Some schools believe that since Buddhism believes that everything is empty, it should be empty to the end, so the realm of Nirvana should also be illusory. However Everyone knows that the purpose of practicing Buddhism is to reach the other shore of Nirvana, which is the highest state pursued by Buddhism, how can this be empty?" Another monk said: "Master, do all sentient beings have Buddha nature?" Xuanzang replied: "This is the fundamental problem of the Buddha's palm. I think all living beings have Buddha roots, but they are different in size. Therefore, all living beings should have Buddha nature and can become Buddhas." King Qu Wentai nodded frequently. An older monk sitting far away got up and clasped his hands together and asked, "The old monk also has a question to ask the mage!" Seeing that it was an old man, Xuanzang got up and put his palms together in return, saying: "What advice does the old man have, but it doesn't matter!" The old monk said: "I have studied Buddhism all my life and have not yet reached the state of Nirvana. Is it true that I have to go to the Western Heaven to reach it?" Xuanzang said: "It's not easy to reach the Nirvana state, but even if you can't reach death in life, you can cross to the other side, because Buddhism talks about life and death reincarnation." In the face of many monks' questions, Xuanzang was able to respond freely, and King Qu Wentai admired him very much. The lecture ended in an atmosphere of great satisfaction among the monks. In the evening, the afterglow of the red sunset in the western sky reflects the Huoyan Mountain like a burning flame, which is in full swing and extremely spectacular.Looking up, as the setting sun sinks to the west, the gorgeous clouds in the western sky are also changing rapidly, full of dreamy feelings... The endless grape racks at the foot of the mountain are covered with red, white, green and purple grapes, and there is beautiful and moving music not far away... It turns out that King Qu Wentai was in the square in front of the vineyard for the Xuanzang held a grand welcome concert. In the middle behind a row of tables are the King Quthai and Xuanzang, the queen and the princess are sitting next to the king, on the left side of Xuanzang are several eminent monks from the Gaochang Kingdom, and behind and on both sides are the princes and ministers, all of whom are watching the scene Wonderful cabaret show. Gaochang is a country with a beautiful music tradition and loves singing and dancing. When distinguished guests come, they will naturally present the best programs to welcome them. Six girls in beautiful Western Region armpit are dancing, and their dancing posture is as beautiful and moving as the music. Various fruits and grapes were placed on the table. King Kok Wentai brought a bunch of purple ripe grapes to Xuanzang, who thanked Xuanzang with palms together. As the music changed, six young men came on stage, and they danced a cheerful pas de deux with the girls... King Quwentai happily twirled his beard with his hands, while Xuanzang sat upright with a smile on his face. After the dance, the girls and boys made an invitation dance to the princess and asked her to perform on stage. Princess Irina was about to show off her skills in front of Xuanzang, so she happily came out and performed a solo dance. The girls and boys all backed down. While dancing for her. Princess Irina wore a white dress and a pink scarf on her head. Her figure became more and more slim. Her graceful dancing posture and the moving music from the Western Regions captivated the people present. Everyone applauded her happily.Both the king and queen happily praised their beloved daughter to Xuanzang, and Xuanzang put his hands together and prayed for their daughter. Princess Irina was very beautiful, with a fair oval face, two black and fine eyebrows, a pair of shell and big almond eyes, blinking upward curled eyelashes, she is a typical girl from the Western Regions. As night fell, the bonfire was lit, and everyone jumped up happily.When the music was at its peak, everyone invited the king and queen to dance, so King Kobuntai and the queen also stood up and joined the dance.This country in the Western Regions is a country that believes in Buddhism and loves singing and dancing the most. No matter men, women, young or old, they dance all night long. Xuanzang joined hands with several eminent monks to pray for their happiness, and the joyful singing and dancing lasted until midnight... In the evening of the next day, in the garden of the harem, the king, queen, princess and Xuanzang sat and chatted on a stone table, on which the famous grapes and fruits of Gaochang State were placed. The king said: "The master's speech is very good, and the Buddhist principles of the master are really profound." "Your Majesty appreciates the award. The poor monk has little knowledge and dare not be arrogant." Xuanzang hurriedly bowed his head and clapped his hands together. The king added: "I also feel the same about the questions they raised. Everything is empty, and even the ideal state of Nirvana of the Buddha is illusory. Then our belief in Buddha will lose its meaning." "Yes!" Xuanzang nodded and said, "This issue was very controversial in the Tang Dynasty. The reason why I decided to go to Tianzhu to learn Buddhist scriptures was to solve these problems. The sects are endlessly arguing and I am at a loss. So I want to go to the birthplace of Buddhism in person, so that I can bathe in the Buddha's light and understand the true meaning of Buddhist scriptures." "Oh, that's right." The king nodded. The princess sitting by the side asked: "Father, I want to ask the great master to shave me, and I will also become a monk." "Don't tell jokes, princess, your marriage has been fixed, and you can't break the promise." The king immediately said seriously. "No, father, I don't want to get married." The queen persuaded: "The princess listens to the father and the king, and she can learn Buddhism after she gets married." The king stood up: "Okay, don't make trouble, the archmage is too tired today, let him rest, let's go back to the palace!" "Thank you for your majesty's care." Xuan Fan also stood up. At night, Xuanzang was lying on the bed, thinking about the questions that monk Gaochang asked him today, and the scene of arguing with his elder brother Master Changjie in Luoyang came before his eyes again... That evening, outside the Pure Land Temple, Xuanzang and his elder brother were strolling. Xuanzang looked at the red sun in the west and the sky dyed red by the afterglow of the setting sun, and he became more and more fond of the Western Paradise... "Hey, when can I embark on the journey to the west?" Upon hearing this, Master Changjie stopped, stared into Xuanzang's eyes and asked: "You must go to Tianzhu?" "Yes, brother. Because there are too many differences on some major issues in Buddhism, and the translated scriptures are incomplete. Tianzhu is the birthplace of Buddhism. There are famous eminent monks there. I must ask them for advice." "I know that what you urgently need to solve is the reality and illusion of the realm of Nirvana. I have argued with you many times about this truth. The true meaning of Buddhism is that all dharmas are empty, everything is caused by cause and condition, and is illusory. unreal." "Brother, if Nirvana is also illusory, then the monks will not be able to look forward to the final destination. In this way, Buddhism will lose the meaning of helping sentient beings to be liberated. Then what is the value of Buddhism?" "You are too persistent!" "Brother, this is an essential issue in Buddhism, and I will never stop until the truth is revealed. This is also the motivation for my vow to go to Tianzhu." Master Changjie looked at his younger brother excitedly. Obviously, he was moved by Xuanzang's persistent spirit of exploration. "Okay, let's go! However, the journey is too difficult and dangerous, and you may not be able to come back alive. You must be mentally prepared for this." "Not afraid." "Well then, I'm praying for you." Thinking of this, Xuanzang jumped up and sat cross-legged in meditation. Maybe my brother was chanting sutras for me at the moment, and I should chant sutras in response, so Xuanzang recited the "Prajna Heart Sutra".