Major Supernatural Events in Chinese Folk Legends.

Summary

The original "Journey to the West" reveals a starkly different narrative from its sanitized adaptations. Lion Camel Ridge, depicted as a hellish landscape, symbolizes the suffering of humanity under monstrous oppression. The text describes gruesome scenes where humans are reduced to prey, with Buddha's indifference questioned. As Tripitaka and his disciples confront increasingly powerful demons, they learn of the Lion Camel Kingdom's tragic decline from divine protection to a realm of terror. Historical insights suggest that the kingdom's fate was tied to the abandonment of faith in Buddhism, leading to chaos. Ultimately, the Tathagata's compassion is called into question, leaving readers to ponder the true nature of salvation.

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