Journey to the West: Why Can’t I, Sui Sanzang, Become a Buddha?

Five hundred years ago, at the Great Thunderclap Temple. Chen Xuanzang glares at the Buddha on his lotus throne and says, “Now that Lingshan has been pacified, I summoned you all to discuss the journey west so we could save all beings, dispel calamities, and avert disasters.” “But you have repeatedly stressed the merits of incense offerings for your own benefit. Isn't that deliberate profiteering?” The Buddha's expression turns cold. “The Buddhist teachings of the Three Realms are mine to command. I do as I please. Who dares disobey?” Chen Xuanzang says coldly, “Hmph. The foundations of Buddhism lie in the hearts of all beings and in the justice of cause and effect!” “You?” “Just like a demon king who forces people to buy and sell, how are you any different?” The Buddha is furious. “Would you like to find out how sharp my Buddhist teachings are?” Chen Xuanzang retorts loudly, “Mine are sharp, too!” “Rebellion! Rebellion!” The Buddha smashes a cup as a signal and roars, “Where are the three thousand Arhats? Throw him into the underworld, make him endure ten lifetimes of reincarnation, and wipe out his consciousness!” Five hundred years later, in the Eastern Land of the Great Sui. Zhu Bajie brings a sturdy man before Chen Xuanzang. “Brother Zang, this is Zhao Gongming, the Heavenly Court's God of Wealth. Back in the day, he single-handedly beat the twelve Golden Immortals of the Chan Sect so badly they couldn't even lift their heads. He's a real big shot!” Zhao Gongming says, “As long as you pay me enough scriptures, I can take out anyone!” Chen Xuanzang asks, “Even the Buddha?” “Who did you say, Brother Zang?” “The Buddha!” “Doesn't Brother Zang know that the Buddha and I were members of the same sect? He's my dearest friend, my own flesh and blood, my sworn brother!” “What, the Jie Sect is gone, and you still care about that?” “No! I mean, you'll have to pay more scriptures!” Chen Xuanzang gives a cold laugh. Who says only Tang Sanzang can obtain the true scriptures and achieve enlightenment? Can't he, Sui Sanzang, become a Buddha too? With nine lifetimes of accumulated merit, Chen Xuanzang will not only become a Buddha, but the forefather of all Buddhas!