상세 컨텐츠

본문 제목

당삼장의 역사 - 당승 / 전단공덕불 / 무량공덕불 탄생 축하합니다!!!

카테고리 없음

by Dang Yeon Sim 2 2023. 6. 6. 23:12

본문

Happy Birthday Tang Monk / Carpet Sandalwood Merit Buddha / Immeasurable Merit Buddha - Mừng Ngày Đản Sinh Đường Tam Tạng / Chiên Đàn Công Đức Phật / Vô Lượng Công Đức Phật!!!

The History About Master Xuan Zang, the Tang Monk - Lịch Sử về Đại Sư Huyền Trang, Đường Tăng - 현장대사, 당승에 대한 역사.

1. Who is Master Xuan Zang, the Tang Monk - Đại Sư Huyền Trang, Đường Tăng là ai - 현장대사, 당승은 누구세요?

Xuan Zang (Huyền Trang / 玄奘 / 현장) or also known as "Tang Monk" (Đường Tăng / 唐僧 / 당승), or "The Master of Three Baskets" (Đường Tam Tạng / 唐三藏 / 당삼장) was the eminent monk of the Tang Dynasty (Nhà Đường / 唐朝 / 당나라), one of the most meritorious people of Chinese Buddhism, the "Master of Tripitaka". Xuan Zang was born on April 6 602 CE and passed away on February 5 664 CE (Lunar Calendar / Âm Lịch / 음력). His greatest merits were travel to India and learned Buddhism for 16 years, the master of translator who collated, compared the scriptures of Theravada (Southern Primitive Buddhism), Mahayana (Northern Greater Vehicle Buddhism) and Vajrayana (Tibetian Diamond Vehicle Buddhism) and corrected, translated amount of Buddhist books of Tripitaka (Three Baskets of Buddhism / Tam Tạng Giáo Điển của Phật Giáo / 佛教三藏教典 / 불교의 삼장교전) and finally, brought those old corrected and more new Buddhist books to China. His excellent works helped to correct the confusion and misinterpretation of Buddhist teachings that described and translated wrongly by most of Buddhist monks at the time as well as confirmed the true meanings and doctrines of Buddhism. Despite he's not a geographer, Tang Monk caculated, measured, written and drawn all maps with detailed information and notes so accurate that helped the next generations and even modern geographers easier to write and draw maps correctly.

(This photo was Upscaled and Edited by Me, Dang Yeon Sim)

 

 

He is also well known as the one of the main characters, the center of famous novel "Journey To The West" (Tây Du Ký / 西遊記 / 서유기) written by novelist Wu Cheng En (Ngô Thừa Ân / 吳承恩 / 오승은) in Ming Dynasty (Nhà Minh / 明朝 / 명나라), China in 16th century. Wu Cheng En wrote "Journey To The West" based on the real history of Master Xuan Zang, the Tang Monk and mixed it with myths and other fictitious circumstances. "Journey To The West" talk about the journey of Tang Monk (Đường Tăng / 唐僧 / 당승) or also called Tang San Zang (Tang Master of Three Baskets of Buddhism / 唐三藏 / 당삼장) traveled to the "Western Regions" (where is now Central Asia and India) to obtain Buddhist sutras (sacred texts, Buddhist books) and returned after many trials and much suffering, accidents and faced with the monsters, demons with the convoy and protection of Sun Wu Kong, the Monkey King (Tôn Ngộ Không, Mỹ Hầu Vương / 孫悟空, 美猴王 / 손오공, 미후왕) and "Monk Pig" Zhu Ba Jie (Trư Bát Giới / 豬八戒 / 저팔계) and "Monk Orc" Sha Wu Jing (Sa Tăng Ngộ Tĩnh / 沙悟淨 / 사오정), along with White Dragon Horse or also called Bai Long Ma (Bạch Long Mã / 白龍馬 / 백룡마). Wu Cheng En was famous as a novelist who intested in spook stories and mythology. This novel has been adapted and made into live action TV drama series, movies, animations (cartoon), and games many times.

The most famous live action version of "Journey To The West" was the classic 1986 TV series version and had its Season 2 in 2000 (filmed in 1998). And later, another new series called "Journey To The West: The Sequel" (Hậu Tây Du Ký / 西遊記後傳 / 서유기후전) in 2000 was released as the sequel and the final part of the Classic Journey To The West Trilogy. "Journey To The West: The Sequel" talk about the events take place after Tang Monk and his disciples successfully obtained the sutras and ordained as the Buddhas and Arahats by Lord Sakyamuni (Amitabha) Buddha, then waged their battles to collect 17 Sarira Relics of 17 Buddhas to against and destroy No Heaven Buddha (Phật Vô Thiên / 無天佛 / 무천불) or also known as The Fallen Buddha, who was one of the 13 Ancient Buddhas existed in billion years ago that mentioned in Buddhist book "Gandhara Sutra".

- All 5 of Tang Monk and Disciples from Journey To The West - 5 Thầy Trò Đường Tăng trong Tây Du Ký - 서유기에 나오는 다 5명 당승과 제자들.

From the right to the left: Sun Wu Kong (Tôn Ngộ Không / 孫悟空 / 손오공), Tang Monk (Đường Tăng / 唐僧 / 당승) riding White Dragon Horse (Bạch Long Mã / 白龍馬 / 백룡마), "Monk Orc" Sha Wu Jing (Sa Tăng Ngộ Tĩnh / 沙悟淨 / 사오정) and "Monk Pig" Zhu Ba Jie (Trư Bát Giới / 豬八戒 / 저팔계).

(This is the action figure made by Hao Yu Toys (China) based on the design from the Classic 1986 "Journey To The West" TV Series. Photo was Upscaled and Edited by Me, Dang Yeon Sim)

 

 

2. The Meanings Of His Nicknames - Ý Nghĩa Các Biệt Danh Của Ngài - 스님의 별명 의미.

His real name was Chen Yi (Trần Y / 陳禕 / 진의). However, Master Xuan Zang has many nicknames, one of them is Tang San Zang (Đường Tam Tạng / 唐三藏 / 당삼장) which mean "Tang Master of Tripitaka". He got this nickname since he traveled to India to study and obtain Buddhist Sutras and returned to China. Because he was a master of translator who corrected the misunderstanding, the incorrected texts and solved the problems about Buddhist doctrines after over 600 years Buddhism officially was introduced into China. He's also knowledgeable about all 3 divisions of Buddhist Canon books (Tripitaka) so that's why people named him as Tang San Zang or "Tang Master of Tripitaka" because all of merits and efforts.

- Tripitaka (त्रिपिटक) or also known as Three Baskets of Buddhism (Tam Tạng /  三藏 / 삼장) are included 3 divisions of Buddhist Canon books:

1. Sutra (सूत्र): the books, scriptures, literality of Lord Buddha's Dharma teachings. (Kinh Tạng / 經藏 / 경장)

2. Vinaya (विनय): rules and procedures that govern the Buddhist Sangha (Luật Tạng/ 律藏 / 율장).

3. Abhidharma (अभिधम्म): philosophy and reasoning that analyzed, explained the meanings of Buddhist texts that contain detailed scholastic presentations of doctrinal material appearing in the Sutra (Luận Tạng / 論藏 / 논장).

- Another nickname is Tang Monk (Đường Tăng / 唐僧 / 당승) or Tang Seng in Mandarin Chinese. The reason is very simple because he was famous as the Great Monk from Tang Dynasty (Nhà Đường / 唐朝 / 당나라), China.

- And a fun fact you may not know: My name in Sino words is 唐蓮心 or Dang Yeon Sim (당연심) in Korean, Đường Liên Tâm in Vietnamese, Tong Nien Sam in Cantonese Chinese and Hasu Kokoro (はすこころ) in Japanese. My name "Dang Yeon Sim" (唐蓮心) means "The Descendant Of Tang Monk Who Has A Lotus Blooming In His Heart / Mind". I got this name since August or September 2009 (2009년 8월 또는 9월) when i had a dream of meeting Lord Sakyamuni (Amitabha) Buddha in his Western Pure Land, he taught me some new lessons and explained their meanings to me. Then before i left his world / planet and go back to my body at home, Lord Buddha declared and named me a new name and called it "Đường Liên Tâm" (Dang Yeon Sim). That's how i got this name. This dream was not just a dream but it was so very real to me since i saw everything even clearer than my eyes right now, i still remember everything, even the smallest details of the doors in Lord Buddha's World in that dream until now. And this dream was just one of dozen dreams i had since Late 2008 until they ended on May 13 2011 (2008년 말 부터 2011년 5월 13일 까지). So Tang Monk has a strong connection to me, especially my name.

- The look of 5 Tang Monk and Disciples from Chinese drama "Journey To The West: The Sequel" - Tạo Hình của 5 Thầy Trò Đường Tăng trong phim bộ Trung Quốc "Hậu Tây Du Ký" - 중국 드라마 '서유기후전'에있는 다 5 당승과 제자들의 모습.

From the left to the right: Zhe Ba Jie (Monk Pig), Sha Wu Jing (Monk Orc), Tang Monk (Master Xuan Zang), Sun Wu Kong (The Monkey King) and White Dragon Horse (Photo Upscaled and Edited by Me, Dang Yeon Sim):

 

 

He was also worshipped as a true Buddha. They called him "Carpet Sandalwood Merit Buddha" (Chiên Đàn Công Đức Phật / 旃檀功德佛 / 전단공덕불) or sometimes as "Immeasurable Merit Buddha" (Vô Lượng Công Đức Phật / 無量功德佛 / 무량공덕불). There are 2 reasons for it:

1. Chinese Buddhism want to honor him after all of his great merits. Master Xuan Zang, the Tang Monk was one of people who revitalized Chinese Buddhism and made it prosper. Tang Dynasty was considered to be the Golden Age of Chinese Culture and Religion when Emperor Tang Tai Zong (Vua Đường Thái Tông / 唐太宗 皇帝 / 당태종 황제) was a devout Buddhism and made Buddhism ruled in China during Tang Dynasty.

2. In the famous novel "Journey To The West" (Tây Du Ký / 西遊記 / 서유기), when he and his disciples are Sun Wu Kong (Tôn Ngộ Không / 孫悟空 / 손오공), White Dragon Horse (Bạch Long Mã / 白龍馬 / 백룡마), "Monk Pig" Zhu Ba Jie (Trư Bát Giới / 豬八戒 / 저팔계) and "Monk Orc" Sha Wu Jing (Sa Tăng Ngộ Tĩnh / 沙悟淨 / 사오정) went to India to obtain the Buddhist Sutras and met Lord Sakyamuni (Amitabha) Buddha show up, Lord Buddha ordained Tang Monk as "Carpet Sandalwood Merit Buddha" while Sun Wu Kong was ordained as "Fighting Winning Buddha" (Đấu Chiến Thắng Phật / 鬥戰勝佛 / 투전승불). And other rest, included Monk Pig Zhe Ba Jie, Monk Orc Sha Wu Jing and White Dragon Horse becomes Arahats (A La Hán / 阿羅漢 / 아라한).

And later, in "Journey To The West: The Sequel" (Hậu Tây Du Ký / 西遊記後傳 / 서유기후전), after he and his disciples, especially Sun Wu Kong, the "Fighting Winning Buddha" defeated No Heaven Buddha (Phật Vô Thiên / 無天佛 / 무천불), The Fallen Buddha and saved the universe from his revenge, Tang Monk, who is known as "Carpet Sandalwood Merit Buddha" was ordained by Lord Sakyamuni (Amitabha) Buddha and upgraded to be "Immeasurable Merit Buddha" (Vô Lượng Công Đức Phật / 無量功德佛 / 무량공덕불). Meanwhile, his greatest disciple Sun Wu Kong, the Fighting Winning Buddha becomes the "Sarira Relic King Buddha" (Xá Lợi Tôn Vương Phật / 舍利尊王佛 / 사리존왕불), Zhe Ba Jie becomes "Wooden Golden Lotus Buddha" (Mộc Mẫu Kim Liên Phật / 木母金蓮佛 / 목모금련불), Sha Wu Jing becomes "Golden Body Light King Buddha" (Kim Thân Quang Vương Phật / 金身光王佛 / 금신광왕불) and White Dragon Horse becomes "Golden Great Power Dragon Buddha" (Kim Thân Quảng Lực Long Tổ Phật / 金身廣力龍祖佛 /  금신광력룡조불).

3. The Relationship With Emperor Tang Tai Zong - Mối Quan Hệ Với Hoàng Đế Đường Thái Tông - 당태종 황제와의 관계.

Tang Tai Zong (Vua Đường Thái Tông / 唐太宗 皇帝 / 당태종 황제), real name is Li Shi Min (Lý Thế Dân / 李世民 / 이세민). He is the second son of Emperor Tang Gao Zu (Đường Cao Tổ / 唐高祖 / 당고조) and also the 2nd Emperor of Tang Dynasty (Nhà Đường / 唐朝 / 당나라), succeeded his father. Li Shi Min was born on January 28 598 CE and passed away on July 10 649 CE (Lunar Calendar / Âm Lịch / 음력). Along with his father, his merit was fighting to against Sui Dynasty (Nhà Tùy / 隋朝 / 수나라) and other warlords's forces and establishing the Tang dynasty, so he is often seen as a founding emperor of Tang Dynasty, along with his father Tang Gao Zu. He's a talented and considered to be one of the greatest emperors in China's history and henceforth. His reign also became regarded as the exemplary model against which all future emperors were measured.

- Emperor Tang Tai Zong riding horse in the battle - Vua Đường Thái Tông ngồi trên lưng ngựa trong cuộc chiến - 전투에서 말을 타는 당태종 황제.

(Art by Jack Huang (黄孤忠) on ArtStation. Upscaled and Edited by Me, Dang Yeon Sim)

 

 

In 617 CE, he advised his father Li Yuan (Lý Uyên / 李淵 / 이연) to fight against Sui Dynasty (Nhà Tùy / 隋朝 / 수나라) due to Emperor Sui Yang Di (Tùy Dạng Đế / 隋煬帝 / 수양제)'s tyanny and sunk in depravity. Emperor Sui Yang Di is considered to be one of the worst Kings / Emperors of China's history as he ruined what his father, Emperor Sui Wen Di (Tùy Văn Đế / 隋文帝 / 수문제) built. In 618 CE, Emperor Sui Yang Di was assasinated by evil general Yu Wen Hua Ji (Vũ Văn Hóa Cập / 宇文化及 / 우문화급). After that, his son Sui Gong Di (Tùy Cung Đế / 隋恭帝 / 수공제) succeeded him as the next Emperor of Sui Dynasty. However, Li Yuan (Lý Uyên / 李淵 / 이연) saw the chaos in China under ruled by Sui Dynasty, he forced Sui to yield the throne to him due to Sui Dynasty's poor governance. Li Yuan finally founded Tang Dynasty in 618 CE and declared himself to be Emperor Tang Gao Zu (Hoàng Đế Đường Cao Tổ / 唐高祖 皇帝 / 당고조 황제). Emperor Tang Gao Zu along with his second son Li Shi Min (later become Emperor Tang Tai Zong) fought against the other up rising warlord's forces and other Sui Dynasty's officials who refused to recognize the new regime of Tang Dynasty in Chang An capital (Thủ Đô Trường An / 長安首都 / 장안수도).

However, despite all of many victories of Li Shi Min (Lý Thế Dân / 李世民 / 이세민) to unify the country and against the invasion of Turkic Khaganate (Hãn Quốc Đột Quyết / 突厥汗国 / 돌궐한국) in the West, defeated warlord Wang Shi Chong (Vương Thế Sung / 王世充 / 왕세충) who also founded his own Zheng Dynasty (Nhà Trịnh / 鄭朝 / 정나라) in the East and the rebellions in the South, Emperor Tang Gao Zu chose his oldest son, Li Jian Cheng (Lý Kiến Thành / 李建成 / 이건성) as the Crown Prince (Thái Tử / 太子 / 태자) in 618 CE, not him. After become the Crown Prince, Li Jian Cheng combined with his younger brother Li Yuan Ji (Lý Nguyên Cát / 李元吉 / 이원길) and many other officials to against Li Shi Min (Lý Thế Dân / 李世民 / 이세민). Li Jian Cheng even advised his father, Emperor Tang Gao Zu to send him away that he can not threaten his power and tried to isolate him. This made the Xuanwu Gate Incident (Sự Biến Huyền Vũ Môn / 玄武門之變 / 현무문지변 사건) in 626 CE, after many struggles between him and other brothers who are the sons of Emperor Tang Gao Zu. Li Shi Min had no any other choice but to kill his brothers to survive. After killed 2 of his brothers are Li Jian Cheng and Li Yuan Ji, he had to force his father, Emperor Tang Gao Zu to yield the throne to him as the Crown Prince and later become the Emperor Tang Tai Zong (Hoàng Đế Đường Thái Tông / 唐太宗 皇帝 / 당태종 황제). To avoid the dangerous risky may happen in future, he has to kill entire people who involved and supported his brothers who tried to kill him. This made his father, Emperor Tang Gao Zu hate him and before his death, he even cursed Tang Tai Zong (Li Shi Min) that he may take the throne and become the Emperor now, but in his next generations, his descendants or the next Kings won't last long and killing each other to death. This is a such sad story when you did a lot of works and got so many achievements but your own family, your own father doesn't recognize you, hate you to death and even took side with your enemies to against you. This was tragic but Li Shi Min, the Emperor Tang Tai Zong had no any other choice but destroy his own brother and family to survive in this painful world.

- Li Shi Min (Lý Thế Dân / 李世民 / 이세민) or Emperor Tang Tai Zong (Hoàng Đế Đường Thái Tông / 唐太宗 皇帝 / 당태종 황제), the 2nd Emperor of Tang Dynasty - Lý Thế Dân tức Vua Đường Thái Tông, vị Hoàng Đế thứ hai của Nhà Đường - 당나라의 2대 황제 당태종.

(Art by an unknown artist, Upscaled and Edited by Me, Dang Yeon Sim)

 

 

There are few fun facts about Emperor Tang Tai Zong (Hoàng Đế Đường Thái Tông / 唐太宗 皇帝 / 당태종 황제):

1. He was same time with Prophet Muhammad, the leader and founder of Islam (Hồi Giáo / 伊斯蘭教 / 이슬람교). At the time, Muhammad once sent message to 3 greatest emperors are Emperor Tang Tai Zong of Tang Empire (China), Emperor Heraclius of Byzantine Empire (East Roman Empire), Emperor Khosrow II of Sasanian Empire (New Persian Empire, Iran) and declared that they have to accept the Islam, otherwise will be destroyed. Emperor Tang Tai Zong was one of the people who prevented Extreme Muslim's invasion to East Asia.

2. At the time when he reign, Korea was in the late of "Korean Three Kingdoms" period (Thời Tam Quốc Đại Hàn / 大韓三國時代 / 대한삼국시대). Korean Three Kingdoms is the period occuried since the 1st century BC to the 7th century CE when 3 kingdoms of Korea are Goguryeo (Cao Câu Lệ or Cao Câu Ly / 高句麗 / 고구려), Baekje (Bách Tế / 百濟 / 백제) and Silla (or Shin Ra) (Tân La / 新羅 / 신라) fighting each other. After Goguryeo attacked Silla, Queen Seondeok of Silla (Nữ Hoàng Thiện Đức của Tân La / 新羅 善德女王 / 신라의 선덕여왕) sent request to Emperor Tang Tai Zong for aid. And Tang Dynasty of China allied with Silla (Shin Ra) of Korea defeated Goguryeo and Baekje, then finally helped Silla unified entire Korean peninsula in the new era that called "Unified Silla" (Tân La Thống Nhất / 統一新羅 / 통일신라).

 

- According to some records, Emperor Tang Tai Tong was a devout Buddhist, despite he also believe in Taoism (Đạo Lão Giáo / 道老教 / 도로교). He was interested and excited about Tang Monk's plans to travel to India and obtain the Buddhist Sutras. However, there are still many debates and different records explain the true reasons why he was so much excited about Master Xuan Zang's works. But basically, there are 2 different contexts about what happened to Master Xuan Zang (Tang Monk) and Emperor Tang Tai Zong:

1. Based on some historical records and even included the famous novel "Journey To The West" (Tây Du Ký / 西遊記 / 서유기), although Emperor Tang Tai Zong made the right and hard decision about killing his brothers and people who tried to kill him for the throne, he was afraid of his sins and regret what he did to be the Emperor of China, he need something, someone or even do something to constribute and earn the merits back. In some rumors and the novel Journey To The West, they said that Tang Tai Zong had the nightmares about the hell and his sins. He was afraid and then, Avalokitesvara Buddha (Phật Quan Thế Âm / 觀世音佛 / 관세음불) shown up in his dream and told him should go and meet Master Xuan Zang and help him to travel to India to studying and obtaining the corrected Buddhist Sutras, bring them to China and make Buddhism prosper so that he'll take the merits too and  atone for his sins. So he called Master Xuan Zang (Tang Monk) to meet him in his palace and talked about Master Xuan Zang's desire to solve the problems that Buddhists were facing about the confuse of different and wrong describes of Buddhist doctrine at the time and obtain the new Buddhist books from India. They were close and finally become brothers in arms, with Tang Tai Zong is older and Tang Monk is younger. So Emperor Tang Tai Zong helped Tang Monk and saw him off to India. Personally, this theory may sounds like a  legend but i still think it make sense somehow. Tang Tai Zong regret about what he has done to his brothers and want to do something good to constribute, as well as Tang Monk was well known as a smart and talented Buddhist Monk at the time. Master Xuan Zang (Tang Monk) has a strong desire to help for correct the Buddhist doctrine that was misunderstood and described by wrong ways. Buddhism became the "National Religion" of China during Tang Dynasty and the Golden Age of Chinese Culture.

2. However, in other records, they said that Emperor Tang Tai Zong banned the abroad travel during early his reign so Tang Monk (Master Xuan Zang) can not legally travel to India so he did it illegally and secretly. But after he returned to China in 645 CE. But like the first theory above, he was recognized and admired by Emperor Tang Tai Zong and Chinese Buddhism at the time as they all welcome him back to China and thanks to all of his works after those years. But like what i said above, i personally think the relationship of Tang Tai Zong and Tang Monk must be close and no one but Master Xuan Zang (Tang Monk) ever had such exclusive right, favor and special treatment with all respect from Emperor Tang Tai Zong. If they don't understand each other, it's hard to let a monk travel to India, defied the abroad travel ban. May be Tang Tai Zong banned the abroad travel but Tang Monk was an exception and he let him go to his wish and mission for Lord Buddha.

- Master Xuan Zang (Right) and Emperor Tang Tai Zong (Left) become the brothers in arms - Đại Sư Huyền Trang (Phải) và Vua Đường Thái Tông (Trái) kết nghĩa huynh đệ - 현장대사 (당승, 오른쪽) 와 당태종 황제 (왼쪽) 결의형제 (結義兄弟)로 되고있다.

(Art by an unknown artist. Upscaled and Edited by Me, Dang Yeon Sim)

 

 

4. Master Xuan Zang's Travel to Central Asia and India - Chuyến Du Hành của Đại Sư Huyền Trang đến Trung Á và Ấn Độ - 현장대사의 중앙 아시아 와 인도 여행.

There are many debates about when was Tang Monk began his Journey to the West. Most of records stated it was in 629 CE to 645 CE, a total of 16 years. Some records said it may be in 627 CE due to few real events. There is a confusion between 2 years difference.

After many struggles, accidents, faced with robbers, wild beasts, rugged mountains and nature..etc, Tang Monk finally came to India. In famous novel "Journey To The West", it stated that Tang Monk and his disciples had to overcome 81 tribulations before coming to India. He stayed in there for learning, studying and doing on his works on translating, analyzing, collating and describe the scriptures of Original and Correct Buddhist doctrine. He also found out the differences between Theravada Buddhism (South Primitive or Conservative Buddhism) of India and Mahayan Buddhism (North Great Vehicle or Progressive Buddhism) of China. He distilled the quintessence of the two Buddhist schools. He also written and drawn a lot of accurate maps, despite he's not a geographer. After 16 years, he returned to China in 645 CE with the congratulations from his brother in arms Emperor Tang Tai Zong and Chinese Buddhists.

Tang Monk successfully obtained 657 kinds of Buddhist Sutras, Buddha figures and some Lord Buddha's relics. He still kept doing his massive and excellent works until he passed away in 664 CE. After over thousand years, Master Xuan Zang (Tang Monk) is still the great heroic figure to all Buddhists in the world due to all of his works. His contribution is very important to the foundation of all Buddhist Canon Doctrines that we're reading, studying and researching in present today. There was almost no any Buddhist Monk as widely revered as him, he's one of the kind.

- The Bronze Statue of Master Xuan Zang (Tang Monk) in Big Goose Pagoda - Bức Tượng Đồng của Đại Sư Huyền Trang (Đường Tăng) ở Chùa Đại Nhạn Tháp - 대안탑 (大雁塔)에있는 현장대사 (당승)의 동상.

(These photos belonged to PNG Tree and Deposit Photos. Upscaled and Edited by Me, Dang Yeon Sim)

 

 

This temple was built in 652 by Emperor Tang Gao Zong (Vua Đường Cao Tông / 唐高宗 皇帝 / 당고종 황제), who is the 9th and also the youngest son of Emperor Tang Tai Zong (Hoàng Đế Đường Thái Tông / 唐太宗 皇帝 / 당태종 황제). This is the monument to commemorate and thanks to Master Xuan Zang (Tang Monk or also known as Tang Master of Tripitaka). Originally, it had five stories with the height 60m tall (197 ft) but later was rebuilt and upgraded by Empress Wu Ze Tian (Nữ Hoàng Đế Võ Tắc Thiên / 女皇帝 武則天 / 여황제 무측천) in 704 CE with 2 additional stories and get its size of 64.5m tall (211.6 ft) until now. This tempe located in the southern Xi An city (Thành Phố Tây An / 西安市 / 서안시) in Shaan Xi Province (Tỉnh Thiểm Tây / 陝西省 / 섬서성) in China. However, a massive earthquake in 1556 in Shaan Xi heavily damaged the pagoda and collapsed, in Ming Dynasty (Nhà Minh / 明朝 / 명나라), now, it has seven stories after restored. Before Tang Monk passed away, this was where he used to collect, store all Buddhist Sutras and working. This temple is still the place to storing all legacies of Master Xuan Zang (Tang Monk).

The temple's name in Mandarin Chinese (Tiếng Quan Thoại / 中華官話語 / 중화관화어) is Da Yan Ta (Đại Nhạn Tháp / 大雁塔 / 대안탑) which mean "Big Wild Goose Pagoda". As for the reason why it is called Big Wild Goose Pagoda, there is a legend. According to ancient stories of Buddhists, there were two branches, for one of which eating meat was not a taboo. One day, they couldn't find meat to buy. Upon seeing a group of big wild geese flying by, a monk said to himself: 'Today we have no meat. I hope the merciful Bodhisattva will give us some.' At that very moment, the leading wild goose broke its wings and fell to the ground. All the monks were startled and believed that Bodhisattva showed his spirit to order them to be more pious. They established a pagoda where the wild goose fell and stopped eating meat. Hence it got the name 'Big Wild Goose Pagoda'.

- The Xuanzang (Hieun Tsang) Memorial Hall in India - Tòa Nhà Tưởng Niệm Đại Sư Huyền Trang (Đường Tam Tạng) ở Ấn Độ - 인도에있는 현장대사기념대.

(This photo was taken by an unknown photographer)

 

 

The Statue of Master Xuan Zang (Tang Monk) in front of Memorial Hall in India - Bức Tượng Đại Sư Huyền Trang ngay trước Tòa Nhà Tưởng Niệm ở Ấn Độ - 인도에있는 기념대 앞에서 현장대사의 동상.

(This photo was taken by Jamyang Zangpo on November 10 2010 on Flickr. Upscaled and Edited by Me, Dang Yeon Sim)

 

This memorial house located in Kundalpur, Nalanda, Bihar, India and near the ruins of Ancient Nalanda University. The Xuan Zang (Hieun Tsang) Memorial Hall of Kundalpur is a memorial that was constructed to honour the Chinese scholar monk and traveller Hieun Tsang, who used to be a student at Nalanda University and eventually went on to become a teacher at the Nalanda Mahavihara. This memorial hall is one of the most famous places to see in Bihar. The memorial hall has been built on the same place where the monk used to learn yoga from his teacher. Despite the decision to construct it in 1957, this memorial hall began to build in 1960 and was completed in 1984, constructed as an initiative, with the aim to enhance Indo-China cultural relationship.

5. Tang Monk In The Works Of Art And Popular Culture - Đường Tăng Trong Các Tác Phẩm Nghệ Thuật Và Văn Hóa Đại Chúng - 예술과 대중문화 작품 속의 당승.

The most well known arts about Tang Monk (Master Xuan Zang) are still originally come from the famous novel "Journey To The West" written by novelist Wu Cheng An in Ming Dynasty. "Journey To The West" was adapted as cartoon and live action dramas, movies and many other art genres. About the live action version of "Journey To The West", it was made as movies and especially as TV series / dramas countless time by Chinese, Taiwanese, Hongkongers and even Korean, Vietnamese and Japanese. This is a great and important artwork to East Asian culture in general and Chinese culture in particular. There are countless versions of live action versions of "Journey To The West" but in this article, i would like to focus and talk about 2 versions only: The Classic 1986 Journey To The West Trilogy Series (1986 - 1998 - 2000) and the new creative Korean drama "Hwa Yu Gi" (Hoa Du Ký / A Korean Odyssey / 華遊記 / 화유기) in 2017 and 2018.

- The Classic 1986 Journey To The West Chinese Drama Series Universe - Vũ Trụ Phim Tây Du Ký Cổ Điển 1986 - 고전 (클래식) 1986년 서유기 시리즈 우주:

All actors who played as Tang Monk (Tang San Zang / Master Xuan Zang) in The Classic 1986 Journey To The West Trilogy:

(This photo was Merged, Upscaled and Edited by Me, Dang Yeon Sim)

 

 

This series is a trilogy with 3 Seasons are:

1. The Original Journey To The West released in 1986. It started filming in 1982 but took many years to finish. The first episode aired on October 1 1986 with 25 episodes.

2. The Season 2 was filmed in 1998 as it talked about the rest of the stories from the original work that were not covered in the first season in 1986. Since the film crew didn't plan to film the Season 2 before, so the story was already finished by the end of first season. As a result, the crew adapted the uncovered story into flashbacks of the protagonists after they returned to the Tang Empire from the Vulture Peak (India) with 16 episodes aired in 2000.

3. The Season 3 was released in 2000 with the name "Journey To The West: The Sequel" (Hậu Tây Du Ký / 西遊記後傳 / 서유기후전) and consist of 30 episodes. However, this story was not written by novelist Wu Cheng En (Ngô Thừa Ân / / 吳承恩 / 오승은) but written by another unknown author in Ming or Qing Dynasty. There were many people wrote the sequel to Wu Cheng En's original "Journey To The West" in Ming Dynasty (Nhà Minh / 明朝 / 명나라) and Qing Dynasty (Nhà Thanh / 清朝 / 청나라), however, this version is considered to be the most corrected and directly connected to the original Journey To The West and it was adapted as this live action tv series. The story take place about centuries after Tang Monk and his disciples obtained Buddhist Sutras from India and returned to China. All 5 Master and Disciples become Buddhas and Arahats / Bodhisattvas ordained by Lord Sakyamuni Buddha for their merits. But then, No Heaven Buddha (Phật Vô Thiên / 無天佛 / 무천불) shown up and defeated Lord Sakyamuni (Amitabha) Buddha and many other Buddhas, Bodhisattvas and Gods in many worlds and become the threat to entire the universe.

No Heaven Buddha is also known as "The Fallen Buddha" , an evil ancient Buddha who was originally one of the Thirteen Ancient Buddhas existed in 9 billion years ago. He was the best disciple of Dipankara Buddha (Nhiên Đăng Cổ Phật / 燃燈古佛 / 연등고불) and his real name was Mala (Ma La / 摩羅 / 마라) and then, known as Padumuttara Buddha which mean "Treasure Victorious Lotus Buddha" (Bảo Thắng Liên Hoa Phật / 寶勝蓮花佛  / 보승연화불). But he struggled with his brothers in arm (other disciples of Dipankara Buddha) and they fought each other and his lover died in the war. After his lover's death, he declared he will get his revenge on all Buddhas and Gods and become the ruler of the universe and then disappeared, no one can see him again until he show up again in the events of Journey To The West: The Sequel  after those billions of years. The main story of this Season 3 is about Tang Monk, who is now known as the Carpet Sandalwood Merit Buddha (Chiên Đàn Công Đức Phật / 旃檀功德佛 / 전단공덕불) and his Disciples, especially The Monkey King Sun Wu Kong, who is now known as "Fighting Winning Buddha" (Đấu Chiến Thắng Phật / 鬥戰勝佛 / 투전승불) have to find and collect 17 Sarira Relics of 17 Ancient Buddhas and combine them to destroy No Heaven Buddha, rescue Lord Sakyamuni (Amitaha) Buddha from his chasing.

 

- Actor Xu Shao Hua (Từ Thiếu Hoa / 徐少華 / 서소화):

Xu Shao Hua was born on December 27 1958 (1958년 12월 27일) in Qing Dao city (Thành Phố Thanh Đảo / 青島市 / 청도시), Shan Dong Province (Tỉnh Sơn Đông / 山東省 / 산동성), China. He was the first actor who played as Tang Monk in the Classic Journey To The West. He's 1m78 tall. His popularity increased so much after he take the role. However, he was busy with studying in university and other works so they had to temporally replaced other 2 actors to play as Tang Monk in the show. There were some rumors that he dropped his role because he envied with his co-stars like Liu Xiao Ling Tong (Lục Tiểu Linh Đồng / 六小龄童 / 육소령동) who played as Sun Wu Kong, the Monkey King got paid higher than him. However, Xu Shao Hua appeared as Tang Monk again in Season 2 (1998).

(This photo was Upscaled and Edited by Me, Dang Yeon Sim)

 

 

- Actor Wang Yue (Uông Việt / 汪粵 / 왕월):

Wang Yue was born on January 1 1955 (1955년 1월 1일). He graduated from the Beijing Film Academy (Học Viện Điện Ảnh Bắc Kinh / 北京電影學院 / 북경전영학원). Despite he was the very first actor that female director Yang Jie (Dương Khiết / 楊潔 / 양결) aimed for the role Tang Monk in her famous tv series Classic Journey To The West in 1982. However, he want to be a movie actor rather than a tv series actor, people said he had so many plans for his career but the process to filming was too much difficult and took long time running. That's why he dropped his role as Tang Monk and became the actor who appeared the least in the show. He only played as Tang Monk (Master Xuan Zang) in Episode 6, 9 and 10 of Season 1 (1986). He also never shown up again in Season 2 (1998).

(This photo was Upscaled and Edited by Me, Dang Yeon Sim)

 

 

- Actor Chi Zhong Rui (Trì Trọng Thụy / 遲重瑞 / 지중서):

Chi Zhong Rui was born on December 23 1952 (1952년 12월 23일) in Beijing (Bắc Kinh / 北京市 / 북경시), China. He graduated from the Shanghai Theater Academy (Học Viện Sân Khấu Kịch Thượng Hải / 上海戲劇學院 / 상해희극학원). He's 1m80 tall and was considered to be the most handsome actor who played as Tang Monk. Chi Zhong Rui was also the last actor who played as Tang Monk in both Season 1 (1986) and Season 2 (1998) of Yang Jie (Dương Khiết / 楊潔 / 양결)'s Classic Journey To The West. His Tang Monk was the most recognized and familiar one, he also lasted long until the end of Journey To The West. He's also well known as having a super rich billionaire but old and bad looking wife named Chen Li Hua (Trần Lệ Hoa / 陳麗華 / 진려화) who is 11 years older than him!

(This photo was Upscaled and Edited by Me, Dang Yeon Sim)

 

 

- Actor Huang Hai Bing (Hoàng Hải Băng / Huỳnh Hải Băng / 黄海冰 / 황해빙):

Huang Hai Bing was born on July 23 1973 (1973년 7월 23일) in Shang Hai city (Thành Phố Thượng Hải / 上海市 / 상해시). He is the youngest actor who played as Tang Monk in the Classic Journey To The West Trilogy and also the tallest one with the height of 1m85. He graduated from The Central Academy of Drama (Học Viện Hí Kịch Trung Ương / 中央戲劇學院 / 중앙희극학원) in Beijing, China. Huang Hai Bing only played as Tang Monk in "Journey To The West: The Sequel" (Hậu Tây Du Ký / 西遊記後傳 / 서유기후전) which is the 3rd and also the final part of the Trilogy. However, his version of Tang Monk is quite different and much more superior to other rest. Despite Master Xuan Zang was actually a smart, sharp person in real life history, but Wu Cheng En wrote the novel "Journey To The West" and somehow made Tang Monk seem like a silly person who used to doubting his greatest disciple Sun Wu Kong and was so credulous as he believe in monsters and demons who disguided as innocent people and got cheated, put himself in danger. But different to other Tang Monk that played by 3 senior actors above, Huang Hai Bing's Tang Monk in "Journey To The West: The Sequel" is already a Prime, a Buddha named "Carpet Sandalwood Merit Buddha" (Chiên Đàn Công Đức Phật / 旃檀功德佛 / 전단공덕불). This Tang Monk has a tough, decisive character, he is so much strong with many powerful super powers, he is fast, wise and brave. He fought and destroyed many demons and evil army of No Heaven Buddha (Phật Vô Thiên / 無天佛 / 무천불) or also known as Treasure Victorious Lotus Buddha" (Bảo Thắng Liên Hoa Phật / 寶勝蓮花佛  / 보승연화불). He has accomplished many feats and helped his disciple Sun Wu Kong, who is now known as "Fighting Winning Buddha" (Đấu Chiến Thắng Phật / 鬥戰勝佛 / 투전승불) to collect 17 Sarira Relics of 17 Ancient Buddhas and used them to destroy No Heaven Buddha, rescued Lord Sakyamuni (Amitabha) Buddha from his hunting. After all of his merits, Lord Sakyamuni (Amitabha) Buddha ordained and upgraded Tang Monk to become "Immeasurable Merit Buddha" (Vô Lượng Công Đức Phật / 無量功德佛 / 무량공덕불). In additional, Chinese actor Huang Hai Bing was one of the handsome actors who casted in dozen sword heroes - martial art Chinese and Taiwanese dramas. And in my opinion, The Tang Monk in Journey To The West: The Sequel is the best version of Tang Monk and it show us the Dharma Protectism in Buddhism, prove that there's times when we need to be tough, brave to against the evil and protect the good values we stand for.

(This photo was Upscaled and Edited by Me, Dang Yeon Sim)

 

 

 

- Hong Sisters's Hwa Yu Gi (A Korean Odyssey / 華遊記) Universe -  Vũ Trụ "Hoa Du Ký" của Hồng Tỷ Muội - 홍자매의 화유기 우주:

Hwa Yu Gi or also known as "A Korean Odyssey" is the Korean drama written by talented television screenwriters "Hong Sisters" (Hồng Tỷ Muội / 洪姊妹 / 홍자매), based on the original famous novel "Journey To The West" by Wu Cheng En (Ngô Thừa Ân / 吳承恩 / 오승은). Hong Sisters are Hong Jung Eun (Hồng Trinh Ân / 洪貞恩 / 홍정은), the older (1974년생) and Hong Mi Ran (Hồng Mỹ Lan / 洪美蘭 / 홍미란), the younger (1977년생). They're also the author of popular Korean dramas like Delightful Girl Chun Hyang (also known as Sassy Girl Chun Hyang, 2005), My Girl (2005 - 2006), You're Beautiful (2009) and My Girlfriend Is A Gumiho (2010)...etc

Hwa Yu Gi (Hoa Du Ký / 華遊記/ 화유기) is the modern version of the original 16th century novel "Journey To The West" which take place in a alternate universe, where Tang San Zang (Tang Monk) is female and happened in 21st century in South Korea. Tang San Zang (Dang Sam Jang / 당삼장 in Korean) was played by actress Oh Yeon Seo (오연서 / Ngô Liên Tự / 吳連序). In this drama, Dang Sam Jang (Tang Monk) has the noble duty to help and save the world from the evil forces of devils who making the world being chaos and destroyed, with the protection from Son Oh Gong (손오공 / Tôn Ngộ Không / Sun Wu Kong) played by actor & singer Lee Seung Gi (이승기 / Lý Thăng Cơ / 李昇基) and they finally fall in love and got married. It aired on tvN since December 23 2017 to March 4 2018 (2017년 12월 23일 부터 2018년 3월 4일 까지) with 20 episodes.


- Actress Oh Yeon Seo (오연서 / Ngô Liên Tự / 吳連序) in Hwa Yu Gi:

Oh Yeon Seo was born on June 22 1987 (1987년 6월 22일) in Jinju (Thành Phố Tấn Châu / 晉州市 / 진주시) in Gyeongsangnam-do Province (Tỉnh Khánh Thượng Nam Đạo / 慶尙南道 / 경상남도), South Korea. She's a Korean actress, model and also former member of Kpop girl group LUV, along with actress Jeon Hye Bin (전혜빈 / Toàn Huệ Bân / 全慧彬). She's well known with Korean dramas like Come Back, Mister (2016) and Dong Yi (2010), along with Hwa Yu Gi.

The look of Tang San Zang (Tang Monk) played by Korean actress Oh Yeon Seo in Hwa Yu Gi - Tạo Hình của Đường Tam Tạng (Đường Tăng) do Nữ Tài Tử Hàn Quốc Oh Yeon Seo đóng trong phim Hoa Du Ký - 화유기에 당삼장 (당승)으로 출연하는 오연서의 모습:

(This photo was Upscaled and Edited by Me, Dang Yeon Sim)

 

 

In Hwa Yu Gi, Tang San Zang (Đường Tam Tạng / 唐三藏 / 당삼장) is Jin Seon Mi (Trần Thiện Mỹ / 陳善美/ 진선미), a real estate CEO who resells houses that have had notoriously bad luck (inhabited by evil spirits). She is wealthy, beautiful and has an unyielding tenacity. When she was a kid, she was ostracized by her peers. She meets Woo Ma Wang (Bul Demon King / Ngưu Ma Vương / 牛魔王 / 우마왕), and releases Son Oh Gong (Sun Wu Kong, the Monkey King, played by actor Lee Seung Gi) from his seal prison, and later meets him again by fate. She is put off by Oh-gong initially, but eventually comes to enjoy his companionship, and he finally becomes the love of her life. She has the ability to see ghosts and spirits. Her weapon is a magic yellow umbrella with white dots and help to defend herself before the devils and monsters. After dozen years, she met Son Oh Gong (Sun Wu Kong, played by Lee Seung Gi) again and went on the mission to save the world, then finally, they fall in love and got married. But sadly, Jin Seon Mi, the Tang Shan Zang died in final battle against the Dark Evil Black Dragon (Tà Ác Hắc Long / 邪惡黑龍 / 사악흑룡), the monster who will destroy the world in the legend. Her soul joined and came to the Realm Of Primes (Buddhas) but sometimes, she still can show up and meet her lover Son Oh Gong (Sun Wu Kong).


- Actress Oh Yeon Seo as Tang San Zhang (Right) and actor Lee Seung Gi as Son Oh Gong (Left) in Hwa Yu Gi - Nữ Tài Tử Oh Yeon Seo trong vai Đường Tam Tạng (Phải) và Nam Tài Tử Lee Seung Gi trong vai Tôn Ngộ Không (Trái) trong phim Hoa Du Ký - 화유기에서 당삼장 역의 여배우 오연서 (오른쪽)와 손오공 역의 배우 이승기 (왼쪽):

(This photos was Upscaled and Edited by Me, Dang Yeon Sim)

 

 

In my opinion, this drama is a unique and creative idea as Hong Sisters made it take place in modern era, show us what would happen in the reality when Journey To The West take place in 21st century and Tang Monk is female. So many interesting ideas and facts from the show promoted the Asian culture and Buddhism very well in the modern and progressive way. However, i still don't understand why most of Korean people disliked this drama. They made excuses of "Making and modified the drama inaccurate with original work" or "Why Tang Monk is female" and especially "Why do Tang Monk and Sun Wu Kong fall in love together? This ruined the precious image of Master and Disciple between Tang Monk and Sun Wu Kong in the original Journey To The West" or "This is ruining the Buddhism"...etc. But to me, this great idea will even make people, especially fans of Kpop and Korean dramas in Western would be more interested in Asian culture and Buddhism, find it much more entertaining and arouse interest rather than being so rigid and boring, not too much religious and easier to spreading in popular culture.

That's everything about Tang Monk (Đường Tăng / 唐僧 / 당승), stay tunes for my next articles about history, culture and religion!


#無量功德佛  #西游记  #西遊記  #西游记后传 
#西遊記後傳  #JourneyToTheWest   #중국  #中國
#JourneyToTheWestSequel  #청경단  #請經檀 
#서유기  #서유기후전  Đường Tăng, Đường Huyền Trang
Thích Huyền Trang #旃檀功德佛  #无量功德佛  #한국
#韩国  #韓國  #대한민국  #大韓民國  #大韩民国