Home > Journey to the West > 39-prefecture-of-tongtai

39 The Prefecture of Tongtai

The Tang Monk and his three disciples, having left the kingdom of Tianzhu behind, travelled westward for more than half a month, until one day a city rose in the distance before them. Inside the walls, they saw two old men sitting under the eaves, deep in talk. The Tang Monk stepped forward, saluted, and said, "We monks have come from far away. May I ask the name of this place, and where a charitable household might be found, where we could beg a meal?" One old fellow said, "This place is called the Prefecture of Bronze Terrace, and the county behind it is the county of Diling. Beyond the signboard yonder is a tiger-seated gatehouse — that is the home of Squire Kou. A worthy monk from afar such as yourself would surely find a welcome there." Following the old man's directions, the four found the squire's house. Beside the gatehouse hung a tablet inscribed with four great characters: "No Monk Turned Away." The Tang Monk could not help exclaiming, "Truly this western Buddha-land is rich in the good!" Bajie, whose stomach was crying out, stepped forward to knock. Wukong caught his arm. "Fool! You'll frighten the household!"

 1/6    1 2 3 4 5 6 Next Last