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

Summary

The passage describes Xuanzang and his companions arriving in Liu Fan City, a place of extreme cultural and moral contrasts. They encounter a monk breaking traditional spiritual vows, scantily-clad women working as "youji" (sex workers), and a society with open attitudes toward sexuality and commerce. The narrative explores themes of moral relativism, cultural differences, and human desires, highlighting how local customs challenge Xuanzang's strict monastic principles. The city represents a world where traditional boundaries are fluid, and economic survival often trumps conventional moral considerations.

Full content