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

Summary

The passage depicts a confrontation between Xuanzang and Buddhist authorities, highlighting themes of justice, compassion, and spiritual hypocrisy. Xuanzang challenges the Buddhas' passive acceptance of systemic suffering and inequality, arguing that their indifference to evil perpetuates injustice. Despite facing overwhelming divine power that suppresses his companions Wu Chen and the white dragon, Xuanzang remains resolute in his moral stance. He refuses to bow or repent, criticizing the Buddhas for punishing those who fight against evil while tolerating the sins of others. The narrative explores the tension between spiritual detachment and active compassion.

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