Reading Response Assignment - Essay Example

Buddhism in Journey to the West Buddhism is the dominant theme in Journey to the West. The main reason Xuan Zang takes a journey to the west is to acquire Buddha scriptures. The book is filled with Buddha imagery and Buddhist monks who are depicted in a funny and negative way. In chapter 14, the theme of Buddhism is clearly brought out. During the journey, Xuan Zang and Monkey are ambushed by six bandits. After they introduce themselves as Eye, Ear, Nose, Tongue, Mind and Body respectively- each symbolizing selfish desires and passions, they are killed by Monkey.

Xuan however is not amused by Monkey’s actions. He tells him, “A priest… should be ready to die rather than commit acts of violence.” This annoys Monkey as he feels unappreciated for saving their lives.The six bandits allegorically represent the six senses of the body, which lead humans into selfish, sinful desires and pleasures that corrupt their souls. By killing them all, Monkey detaches himself from human senses that may lead him astray. In order to attain purity of the spirit, one has to sacrifice physical desires.

This concept does not augur well with Tripitaka, who is still not well versed in Buddhism. Xuan Zang, who symbolically represents holiness and naivety, trusts everyone and does not see the threat posed on their quest by human desires. Even though he judges Monkey as an immoral being, he realizes his quest cannot go on without him. This is because his purity and holiness are his biggest weakness. He lacks judgment to perceive a threat and is also unable to protect himself in case of an impending danger.

Monkey on the other hand knows he is bad, but strives towards purity and will do anything to safeguard what he believes in.