Tang Seng, commonly known by his Sanskrit name Tripitaka (唐三藏 táng sān zàng), stands as a pivotal figure in the classical Chinese novel Journey to the West (西游记 xī yóu jì). The narrative chronicles his pilgrimage to India with the aim of retrieving a collection of Buddhist scriptures, which he intends to disseminate throughout China, furthering the spread of Buddhism across his homeland. Accompanying him on this quest are three guardians, each pursuing their own paths to enlightenment: 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).
The name “Tripitaka” signifies “Three Collections of (Buddhist) Scriptures” and serves as one of Tang Seng’s courtesy names (字 zì). A courtesy name is a title additionally given to an individual upon reaching adulthood, traditionally conferred by parents or teachers, although it may often be self-selected.
The character of Tang Seng is inspired by the historical figure Xuan Zang (玄奘 xuán zàng), a monk who, during his scholarly pursuits in China, found himself increasingly frustrated by the discrepancies he encountered within the texts. Consequently, he resolved to embark on a journey to India in search of the authentic scriptures, a venture that would ultimately span 16 years, from 628 to 643.
Upon his return to China, Xuan Zang fulfilled his initial objective. He acquired proficiency in Sanskrit, translated numerous sacred texts from India, and returned to China to propagate True Buddhism based on his newfound knowledge.
Tang Seng 唐僧 (táng sēng)
- Status: Deity/Monk
- Gender: Male
- Best known for: His journey to the west
In addition to the translations and teachings he offered, Xuan Zang documented his adventures during his pilgrimage, detailing the various kingdoms he traversed, the diverse cultures he observed, and the myriad of people he encountered. His extensive notes were eventually compiled into a singular work titled Great Tang Dynasty Record of the Western Regions (大唐西域记 dà táng xī yù jì), which later inspired Wu Cheng En (吴承恩 wú chéng’ēn) (1500-1582) to pen Journey to the West.
The Golden Cicada
Within the narrative, Tang Seng is depicted as the reincarnated form of the mystical Golden Cicada (金蝉子 jīn chán zi), alternatively referred to as the Golden Cicada Elder (金蝉长老 jīn chán zhǎng lǎo). This celestial being once dwelled in heaven as the second disciple of Sakyamuni (释迦牟尼如来佛 shì jiā móu ní rú lái fó). His expulsion to the earthly realm was a consequence of his contempt for Buddhist principles by Tathagata (如来佛 rú lái fó). Over the course of ten reincarnations, he led a virtuous life in China before ultimately being reborn as the beloved monk tasked with serving Emperor Tai Zong, under the tutelage of Guan Yin (观音菩萨 guān yīn pú sà). To re-enter Paradise, Tang Seng must undertake a significant quest to the West in pursuit of sacred Buddhist scriptures.
