Journey West with You Again

Several hundred years ago, Tang Sanzang and his disciples endured the Eighty-One Tribulations, obtained the true scriptures, achieved enlightenment, and took their seats at Spirit Mountain. Yet even atop their radiant Buddha thrones, each of them had something missing in their hearts: Tang Sanzang was burdened by guilt over wrongfully blaming Wukong; Wukong had nothing to do with his divine powers; Bajie longed for the warmth of life at Gao Village; Sha Monk had kept his silence for hundreds of years; and the White Dragon Horse hid a dragon's pride and grievances. Becoming Buddhas and sages had only meant changing workplaces. The scriptures in their hearts remained unfound.

The Tathagata put it plainly: “You became Buddhas, but never figured out how to live your own lives.” So the five set aside the glory of their titles and cast off their burdens. They left Spirit Mountain and returned east, setting out once more on the road to the West. This time, it was not for sacred scriptures or Buddhahood, but to make peace with who they once were and reunite with one another as they had been.

At Five Elements Mountain, Tang Sanzang's long-overdue “I'm sorry” dissolved the rift between master and disciples. In Gao Village, Bajie felt the warmth of a glutinous rice cake and understood that caring for someone was not the same as being unable to let go. By the Flowing Sands River, Sha Monk finally voiced the grievances he had kept inside and accepted his past. Beside Eagle Sorrow Stream, the White Dragon Horse stretched out his dragon form, embracing both pride and tenderness. Before the Kingdom of Women, Tang Sanzang and the queen exchanged smiles, turning their unfinished romance into blessings for one another. From Flower-Fruit Mountain to Flaming Mountain, from Tongtian River to Thunderclap Monastery, they met old friends again and faced their regrets, discovering the meaning of responsibility, trust, and commitment amid the everyday world.

In the end, they did not remain at Spirit Mountain. Instead, they put down roots among ordinary people: Tang Sanzang opened a monastery where he could listen to people's troubles; Wukong protected the land and his fellow monkeys; Bajie made delicious food to bring people joy; Sha Monk ran a ferry crossing to help people cross rivers and find peace of mind; and the White Dragon Horse traveled far and wide, protecting the peace.