Journey to the West - World Young Readers' Literature Classics Library

Author: Wu Cheng'en
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-06-01
Features: The Journey to the West is one of the Four Great Classical Novels of China, alongside Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Dream of the Red Chamber, and Water Margin. Together, they represent the highest achievements of ancient vernacular long novels. The story prototype of The Journey to the West is the tale of the Tang Dynasty monk Xuanzang's journey westward to India to seek Buddhist scriptures. In the first year of Emperor Taizong's reign (627 AD), Xuanzang traveled alone to the birthplace of Buddhism, India (now known as India). After departing from Chang'an, he journeyed westward, crossing the Hexi Corridor and passing through countries such as modern-day Nepal, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. He endured hardships and tribulations, eventually reaching India. In India, he visited famous temples and learned from esteemed monks, studying diligently. After over two years, he acquired 657 Buddhist scriptures and returned to Chang'an in the 19th year of Emperor Taizong's reign (645 AD). Xuanzang's journey to the West spanned over a decade and covered tens of thousands of miles, making it an incredibly legendary adventure. Later, Xuanzang dictated his experiences of the journey, which were compiled by his disciple Bianji into the Record of the Western Regions During the Great Tang Dynasty in 12 volumes, describing the cultural and geographical conditions of the countries he visited. Meanwhile, his disciples Huili and Yancong wrote the Biography of the Venerable Master Xuanzang of the Great Tang's Daxing Temple, which added many mythical elements to Xuanzang's story. Xuanzang's unwavering courage in facing difficulties and his relentless pursuit of spiritual enlightenment already earned him deep respect, and the various trials he endured during his journey only added to the mystical aura surrounding the event. The Journey to the West is a treasure of China's cultural heritage. With its rich and extraordinary artistic imagination, vivid and storylines, lifelike characters, and humorous and witty language, it constructs a unique artistic palace, and we believe it will bring every reader a delightful reading experience.