03-03-2025
From Ayurveda to Buddhism, what Journey to the West says about early China-India exchanges
Journey to the West is not only a seminal work in Chinese literature but a prime example of early intellectual, cultural and diplomatic exchange between China and India.
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The novel, written by Wu Cheng'en during the Ming dynasty (1368-1644), recounts in 100 chapters the fantastical adventures of Tang Sanzang, a Chinese monk tasked with by the Buddha with retrieving sacred scriptures from India.
He is joined on his journey by three disciples, each with supernatural abilities and a troubled past: Sun Wukong, the mischievous and powerful Monkey King; Zhu Bajie, a gluttonous pig demon; and Sha Wujing, a repentant river demon.
In an allegory of spiritual enlightenment, the group face numerous trials battling demons, evil spirits and natural obstacles.
Performers dressed as characters from Journey to the West prepare for a parade to celebrate Lunar New Year in Xian, China. Photo: Visual China Group via Getty Images
While Wu is credited as the author of
Journey to the West , it is widely accepted to be based on folk tales and oral accounts of a 16-year trip to India undertaken by Xuanzang (602-664), a Chinese Buddhist monk and scholar, during the Tang dynasty.
