Tang Seng, known traditionally through his Sanskrit title Tripitaka (唐三藏 táng sān zàng), is a pivotal character in the classic Chinese narrative, Journey to the West (西游记 xī yóu jì). This tale chronicles Tang Seng’s quest to travel to India, with the intention of retrieving sacred Buddhist scriptures and disseminating the teachings of Buddhism throughout China. As he undertakes this spiritual journey, he is escorted by three loyal protectors, each embarked on their personal 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).
Tripitaka encompasses the meaning “Three Collections of Buddhist Scriptures,” which is a courtesy name assigned to Tang Seng. In Chinese culture, a courtesy name (字 zì) is an additional name chosen for an adult, often conferred by a teacher or parents, or sometimes selected by the individual themselves.
The narrative draws inspiration from an actual historical figure named Xuan Zang (玄奘 xuán zàng). While studying Buddhist texts in China, he became frustrated with the discrepancies he encountered. This drove him to undertake a monumental journey to India, in search of authentic scriptures, a quest that spanned 16 years (from 628 to 643). Upon his return to China, Xuan Zang fulfilled his initial objective. He learned Sanskrit, translated numerous works he found in India, and returned to China to promote True Buddhism.
The Legacy of Tang Seng
Additionally, during his spiritual expedition, Xuan Zang compiled another manuscript documenting his travels through various kingdoms, the diverse cultures he encountered, and the people he met. This compilation would later be published as the Great Tang Dynasty Record of the Western Regions (大唐西域记 dà táng xī yù jì). This work significantly influenced the renowned author Wu Cheng En (吴承恩 wú chéng’ēn) in creating the legendary Journey to the West.
The Golden Cicada
Within the context of the story, Tang Seng is depicted as a reincarnation of a once-divine Golden Cicada (金蝉子 jīn chán zi) — also referred to as the Golden Cicada Elder (金蝉长老 jīn chán zhǎng lǎo) — who once resided in Heaven as the second disciple of Sakyamuni (释迦牟尼如来佛 shì jiā móu ní rú lái fó). As a consequence of his neglect toward Buddhist teachings, he was cast out of paradise by Tathagata (如来佛 rú lái fó) and suffered ten reincarnations, during which he led a virtuous life in China. Ultimately, he returned to Earth as the monk revered today, serving under Emperor Tai Zong and guided by Guan Yin (观音菩萨 guān yīn pú sà). To access the divine realm once more, Tang Seng must demonstrate his worth through a journey to retrieve Buddhist scriptures.
