Calamities in Journey to the West? My heart and form are both void.

Summary

In a dialogue between a king and the monk Xuanzang, the king expresses admiration for Xuanzang's supernatural abilities and insights regarding demons and spirits. Xuanzang emphasizes that not all demons are evil and criticizes the king's treatment of monks as unjust. The king, however, believes in the utility of individuals, dismissing the monks as unworthy unless they serve a purpose. Xuanzang warns against repeating past mistakes of abandoning agricultural work for monastic life. The king remains indifferent, viewing governance as a necessity to eliminate troublemakers, believing moral concerns are secondary to his authority. Their discussion reveals a clash between compassion and pragmatic rule, highlighting the complexities of leadership and moral responsibility.

Full content