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In this chapter, Sanzang falls into the hands of a powerful monster and encounters the Third Princess of the King of Elephantia, who has been kidnapped and forced to live as the monster’s wife for thirteen years. She entrusts Sanzang with a letter to her father, hoping for rescue. Pig and Friar Sand volunteer to confront the monster. Yet despite their efforts, the battle ends in failure, not because of lack of skill, but because something crucial is missing: the protection of the guardian gods.

Session Focus:
We will explore the role of guardian gods in protecting the pilgrims on their westward journey, and how unseen forms of protection operate in our own lives, often unnoticed, and often taken for granted.

Key Questions for contemplation:

Pig and Friar Sand had fought thirty inconclusive rounds with the monster. Do you know why they were inconclusive? As far as skill went not even twenty monks, let alone two, would have been a match for that evil spirit. Yet because the Tang Priest was not fated to die he was being secretly protected by Dharma−guarding deities. There were also the Six Dings, the Six Jias, the Revealers of the Truth of the Five Regions, the Four Duty Gods, and the Eighteen Defenders of the Faith helping Pig and Friar Sand in mid−air.
Q1: Why was the fight between Pig, Sandy, and the monster inconclusive?
Why was Sanzang not fated to die?
Why do you think the pilgrims are protected and supported by invisible guardian gods?

With Pig leading and Friar Sand bringing up the rear, they left the pine forest and traveled along the main track. The two disciples grumbled and complained, while Sanzang tried to conciliate them. Every evening they would find lodgings, and they would be up again at cock−crow.
Q2: Why do Pigsy and Sandy grumble, and why must Sanzang conciliate them?
What team dynamics do you observe here in Monkey’s absence?

From the Tang Emperor of the Great Tang Kingdom, who reigns by order of Heaven, in the Southern Continent of Jambudvipa.
Despite our feeble virtues we have succeeded to the throne, and in worshipping the gods and ruling the people we are as careful morning and night as if we were on the edge of a precipice or treading on thin ice. Because we failed to save the Dragon King of the Jing River, punishment was visited on our august self; our souls were rushed to the underworld and we became a guest in the land of death. As our lifespan was not yet over, the Lord of Darkness sent us back to the world of the living. We held a Great Assembly of monks and built a holy altar where the souls of the dead could be brought over to the other side. To our great gratitude the Bodhisattva Guanyin, the deliverer from suffering, appeared in person and told us that there is a Buddha in the West who has scriptures that will save the lost and bring lonely souls who have nobody to help them over to the other side. We have therefore especially commissioned the Patriarch Xuanzang to make the long journey across countless mountains to seek for the scriptures and psalms. Should he come to any countries in the West we hope that on seeing this letter they will allow him to go on his way and not impede this predestined good deed. This is addressed to whom it may concern. Given by His Imperial Majesty on an auspicious day in the autumn of the thirteenth year of Then Guan of the Great Tang.
Q3: What is the core message of the letter?
What was the historical reality regarding credentials when the real Xuanzang journeyed to India, in contrast to the novel?

When they had fought eight or nine bouts on the mountain side Pig was beginning to tire; his strength was flagging and he could only raise his rake with difficulty. Do you know why they could not hold out against the monster this time? In the first battle all the guardian gods had been helping Pig and Friar Sand as Sanzang was in the cave, so that they had then been a match for the ogre. This time the guardian gods were all looking after Sanzang in Elephantia, which was why Pig and Friar Sand could not hold out against the fiend.
Q4: Why can’t Pig and Friar Sand defeat the monster this time?
Reflect on the invisible guardian gods in your own life: what forms of unseen support do we rely on, often without realizing it, throughout our life journey?

Think deeper:
What conditions are necessary for one to access the protection of guardian gods?
What causes invisible support to appear, and what causes it to quietly withdraw?

"You come forward and fight him, Friar Sand," said the idiot, "while I go off for a shit." Then with no further thought for Friar Sand he streaked off into the undergrowth of grass, wild figs, thorns and creepers, diving straight in and not bothering about the scratches on his face. Then he fell into a doze, too frightened to come out again. … Seeing Pig flee, the monster charged at Friar Sand, who could do nothing to stop the ogre from seizing him and carrying him into the cave. The junior fiends tied him up hand and foot.
Q5: Is Pigsy’s behavior cowardly, or cleverly self-preserving?

Take your time with the text. Bring your questions, lived experiences, and quiet insights. This is a circle for shared contemplation, not right answers.

📚 Self-Study & Preparation:
https://chine.in/fichiers/jourwest.pdf
Chapter 29 (page 409 - 420).

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