Travel to the West is one of four classical Chinese novels. After the Ming Dynasty, the novel is based on the travel of the monk Xuanzang the journey of which was taken over by the Silk Road and beyond. He traveled for only 17 years through Central Asia and the Indian continent. He returned with a collection of powerful Buddhist scriptures, then translated the rest of his life into Chinese.
Journey to the West was translated into English. The earliest translation, Monkey: Folk-Tale of China, Arthur Waley significantly reduced the story – removing two-thirds of the chapters and all the poems. Full translations are now available, often generous footnotes that clarify cultural issues that may otherwise confuse each other. The story is often adapted to television – with actors and cartoon format. Many films include references to the Monkey King or the Travel to the West.
The novel consists of four main parts. In the first, the hero Monkey ( Sun Wukong ) will be presented in order to explain the magic powers that are used in the future. This section provides great freedom with the character of Buddhist and Taoist religions, which continues throughout the book and which is one of the greatest strengths. The second part deals with the early life of monk Xuanzang which is ultimately moving westward. The third part is the way through China, which is the area most concerned here. The last part is the conclusion: reaching the goal and sorting it up a bit.
Xuanzang Chang is a capital city (now Xi & # 39; an) through China alone; alone, except for his strong, steed a white horse. It's weak and easy for wild beasts or bandits, but because it's designed to get the scriptures, you will find divine help along the way. Soon he joins the insane Monkey who was issued by Buddha to defend Xuanzang and therefore humiliates his sins. This is a great responsibility and this Monkey is a major burden on the road, but this is clearly part of Buddha's plans as Monkey becomes mature as the road is moving to China.
This horse was soon killed and a dragon ate and then took their place. The party is then closed by two other characters, Zhu Ba Jie (19459004) known as Pigsy, and known as Sha Wujing Sandy. Pigsy is a greedy character, gentle and bony. Sandy is a cannibal. They both punish heavenly characters on the ground because of minor scams, and they are suffering and appreciated in the way.
Fictitious travel can be traced back to some extent to real-world locations, and this can be a challenge for any contemporary traveler seeking an interesting subject for their own Chinese journey. Most of the relevant sites are located in Shaanxi, Gansu and Xinjiang provinces. Those who choose to try to keep this in mind do not forget that the author, Wu Cheng, has never led the way, so he relied heavily on his own readings and experiences. The knowledge of East China overwhelms the West, for the author has no way of knowing what the West is.
The Flaming Mountains, which is the Bull Demon King can easily be traced to the province near the Turfan in Xinjiang province. To do this, another museum is dedicated to the novel here, and it is worth visiting those who are interested in the story.
Subashi's death near Kuqa (also known as Kuche) was definitely a Buddhist kingdom during the real Xuanzang visit and linked to the story of Westland's Liang Womanland. However, this can only be literary comfort as the most likely competitor of the matriarchal society Khorezm would be the western region of modern Uzbekistan.
Other travelers may be interested in other aspects of the story. Mt. Yuntai is located in Lianyungang, Jiangsu province, to inspire the Mountains of Flowers and Fruits where the monkey enters the waterfall cave and becomes the king of monkeys. The Wild Goose pagoda of Xi & # 39; an still contains the original scriptures of the true monk Xuanzang all the way from India.
Whatever your interest, complete translation is novel practical. The electronic version is useful for faster searches and a portable option to take your trip to China with you.
Source by Ian Ford