Tang Seng, known in the West as Tripitaka (唐三藏 táng sān zàng), is a pivotal figure in the classical Chinese novel “Journey to the West” (西游记 xī yóu jì). This narrative chronicles Tang Seng’s arduous expedition to India to retrieve a collection of Buddhist texts aimed at disseminating Buddhist principles throughout his homeland. Accompanying him on this sacred mission are three distinct companions: the Monkey King (孙悟空 sūn wù kōng), Zhu Ba Jie (猪八戒 zhū bā jiè), and Sha Wu Jing (沙悟净 shā wù jìng), each on their own path toward enlightenment.
The term Tripitaka, which translates to “Three Collections of (Buddhist) Scriptures,” serves as one of Tang Seng’s courtesy names (字 zì). In Chinese culture, such names are typically designated to adults beyond their birth names, often gifted by parents or mentors, although individuals may also opt for a name themselves.
The tale draws inspiration from the historical figure Xuan Zang (玄奘 xuán zàng), a monk who, while immersing himself in Buddhist texts in China, became frustrated by the discrepancies he discovered within his studies. Driven by a quest for authentic understanding, he embarked on a journey to India, which spanned 16 years (from 628 to 643). Upon his return, Xuan Zang not only accomplished his objective but also mastered Sanskrit, translating numerous texts he encountered in India. He later shared his knowledge back in China, propagating what he termed True Buddhism.
Alongside his translations and teachings, Xuan Zang documented his travels, chronicling the various kingdoms, diverse cultures, and notable individuals he met throughout his expedition. These observations eventually culminated in a comprehensive account known as the “Great Tang Dynasty Record of the Western Regions” (大唐西域记 dà táng xī yù jì). This work inspired Wu Cheng En (吴承恩 wú chéng’ēn) to pen the legendary “Journey to the West.”
Golden Cicada
Within the narrative, Tang Seng is depicted as the reincarnated spirit of the Golden Cicada (金蝉子 jīn chán zi) – or the Golden Cicada Elder (金蝉长老 jīn chán zhǎng lǎo) – formerly a celestial being who served as the second disciple of the Buddha Sakyamuni (释迦牟尼如来佛 shì jiā móu ní rú lái fó). He faced expulsion to the mortal world by Tathagata (如来佛 rú lái fó) for his discontent with Buddhist doctrine, undergoing ten reincarnations and leading a virtuous existence in China before ultimately manifesting as the beloved monk. To gain reentry to the heavenly realms, he must undertake a journey toward the west in search of Buddhist scriptures.
