詩曰：
大有唐王降敕封，欽差玄奘問禪宗。堅心磨琢尋龍穴，著意修持上鷲峰。邊界遠遊多少國，雲山前度萬千重。自今別駕投西去，秉教迦持悟大空。
诗曰：
大有唐王降敕封，钦差玄奘问禅宗。坚心磨琢寻龙穴，着意修持上鹫峰。边界远游多少国，云山前度万千重。自今别驾投西去，秉教迦持悟大空。
A poem says:
The mighty Tang Emperor issues his decree;Xuanzang is sent by imperial command to seek the teaching of meditation.With steadfast heart he polishes himself and seeks the dragon’s lair;with devoted practice he ascends Vulture Peak.Beyond the frontiers he travels through how many lands;before him lie ten thousand folds of clouded mountains.Now he leaves the imperial carriage and heads west,upholding the teaching and its blessing to awaken to great emptiness.
卻說三藏自貞觀十三年九月望前三日，蒙唐王與多官送出長安關外。一二日馬不停蹄，早至法門寺。本寺住持上房長老，帶領眾僧有五百餘人，兩邊羅列，接至裡面，相見獻茶。茶罷進齋，齋後不覺天晚。正是那：
影動星河近，月明無點塵。雁聲鳴遠漢，砧韻響西鄰。歸鳥棲枯樹，禪僧講梵音。蒲團一榻上，坐到夜將分。
却说三藏自贞观十三年九月望前三日，蒙唐王与多官送出长安关外。一二日马不停蹄，早至法门寺。本寺住持上房长老，带领众僧有五百余人，两边罗列，接至里面，相见献茶。茶罢进斋，斋后不觉天晚。正是那：
影动星河近，月明无点尘。雁声鸣远汉，砧韵响西邻。归鸟栖枯树，禅僧讲梵音。蒲团一榻上，坐到夜将分。
Now, three days before the full moon of the ninth month in the thirteenth year of the Zhenguan reign, Sanzang had been escorted beyond the pass outside Chang’an by the Tang Emperor and his officials. For a day or two he rode without stopping and soon reached Famen Monastery. Its abbot, the elder of the principal quarters, led more than five hundred monks out in two rows to welcome him inside. They greeted him and offered tea, then served a vegetarian meal. After the meal, evening came before they knew it. Truly:
Shadows stir, the River of Heaven seems near;the moon shines bright, without a speck of dust.Wild geese cry in the distant sky;pounding blocks sound at the neighbours’ to the west.Returning birds roost in withered trees;monks in meditation expound the sacred sounds.On a rush cushion upon his couch,he sits until the night is nearly half gone.
眾僧們燈下議論佛門定旨，上西天取經的原由：有的說水遠山高，有的說路多虎豹；有的說峻嶺陡崖難度，有的說毒魔惡怪難降。三藏箝口不言，但以手指自心，點頭幾度。眾僧們莫解其意，合掌請問道：「法師指心點頭者，何也？」三藏答曰：「心生，種種魔生；心滅，種種魔滅。我弟子曾在化生寺對佛說下洪誓大願，不由我不盡此心。這一去，定要到西天，見佛求經，使我們法輪回轉，願聖主皇圖永固。」眾僧聞得此言，人人稱羨，個個宣揚，都叫一聲：「忠心赤膽大闡法師！」誇讚不盡，請師入榻安寐。
众僧们灯下议论佛门定旨，上西天取经的原由：有的说水远山高，有的说路多虎豹；有的说峻岭陡崖难度，有的说毒魔恶怪难降。三藏箝口不言，但以手指自心，点头几度。众僧们莫解其意，合掌请问道：「法师指心点头者，何也？」三藏答曰：「心生，种种魔生；心灭，种种魔灭。我弟子曾在化生寺对佛说下洪誓大愿，不由我不尽此心。这一去，定要到西天，见佛求经，使我们法轮回转，愿圣主皇图永固。」众僧闻得此言，人人称羡，个个宣扬，都叫一声：「忠心赤胆大阐法师！」夸赞不尽，请师入榻安寐。
By lamplight the monks discussed the settled purpose of the Buddhist faith and the reason for going to the Western Heaven to fetch the scriptures. Some spoke of distant waters and high mountains; others of tigers and leopards on the road. Some said the steep ridges and sheer cliffs would be hard to cross; others that the venomous demons and wicked monsters would be hard to subdue. Sanzang kept his lips shut. He only pointed to his own heart and nodded several times. None of the monks understood. Joining their palms, they asked, “Master, why do you point to your heart and nod?” Sanzang answered, “When the mind arises, all kinds of demons arise; when the mind ceases, all kinds of demons cease. Your disciple made a solemn vow before the Buddha at Huasheng Monastery. I cannot but give my whole heart to it. On this journey I shall certainly reach the Western Heaven, see the Buddha and seek the scriptures, so that our Wheel of the Dharma may turn again, and may our holy sovereign’s dominion stand forever.” Hearing this, every monk admired him and sang his praises. “Master of the Great Exposition, loyal and true to the core!” they cried. Their praise knew no end, and they invited him to his couch to sleep.
早又是竹敲殘月落，雞唱曉雲生。那眾僧起來，收拾茶水、早齋。玄奘遂穿了袈裟，上正殿，佛前禮拜道：「弟子陳玄奘，前往西天取經，但肉眼愚迷，不識活佛真形。今願立誓：路中逢廟燒香，遇佛拜佛，遇塔掃塔。但願我佛慈悲，早現丈六金身，賜真經，留傳東土。」祝罷，回方丈進齋。齋畢，那二從者整頓了鞍馬，促趲行程。三藏出了山門，辭別眾僧。眾僧不忍分別，直送有十里之遙，噙淚而返。三藏遂直西前進。正是那季秋天氣，但見：
數村木落蘆花碎，幾樹楓楊紅葉墜。路途煙雨故人稀，黃菊麗，山骨細，水寒荷破人憔悴。白蘋紅蓼霜天雪，落霞孤鶩長空墜。依稀黯淡野雲飛，玄鳥去，賓鴻至，嘹嘹嚦嚦聲宵碎。
早又是竹敲残月落，鸡唱晓云生。那众僧起来，收拾茶水、早斋。玄奘遂穿了袈裟，上正殿，佛前礼拜道：「弟子陈玄奘，前往西天取经，但肉眼愚迷，不识活佛真形。今愿立誓：路中逢庙烧香，遇佛拜佛，遇塔扫塔。但愿我佛慈悲，早现丈六金身，赐真经，留传东土。」祝罢，回方丈进斋。斋毕，那二从者整顿了鞍马，促趱行程。三藏出了山门，辞别众僧。众僧不忍分别，直送有十里之遥，噙泪而返。三藏遂直西前进。正是那季秋天气，但见：
数村木落芦花碎，几树枫杨红叶坠。路途烟雨故人稀，黄菊丽，山骨细，水寒荷破人憔悴。白苹红蓼霜天雪，落霞孤鹜长空坠。依稀黯淡野云飞，玄鸟去，宾鸿至，嘹嘹呖呖声宵碎。
Soon bamboo knocked as the waning moon sank, and cocks crowed as the dawn clouds rose. The monks got up and prepared tea, water and the morning meal. Xuanzang put on his cassock, went to the main hall and bowed before the Buddha. “Your disciple Chen Xuanzang is going to the Western Heaven to fetch the scriptures. But these mortal eyes are foolish and deluded, and cannot recognize the true form of a living Buddha. Now I vow that on the road I shall burn incense at every temple, bow before every Buddha and sweep every pagoda I meet. May our Buddha in his mercy soon reveal his sixteen-chi golden body and bestow the true scriptures, to be handed down in the Eastern Land.” When his prayer was done, he returned to the abbot’s quarters for the meal. Afterwards the two attendants made the saddle and horse ready and urged him to begin the journey. Sanzang went out through the monastery gate and took leave of the monks. They could not bear to part with him and escorted him a full ten li before turning back with tears in their eyes. Sanzang went straight on towards the west. It was the last month of autumn. This is what he saw:
Leaves fall in scattered villages; reed blossoms break apart.From a few maples and poplars red leaves tumble.Mist and rain on the road, familiar faces few. Yellow chrysanthemums glow; the mountains’ bones lie bare; the water is cold, the lotus leaves torn, the traveller worn.White water-clover and red knotweed are snow beneath a frosty sky;sunset clouds and a lone wild duck descend through the vast air.Dim and faint, wild clouds drift. The swallows leave; the visiting geese arrive, their clear, shrill cries shattering the night.
師徒們行了數日，到了鞏州城，早有鞏州合屬官吏人等迎接入城中。安歇一夜，次早出城前去。一路饑餐渴飲，夜住曉行，兩三日，又至河州衛。此乃是大唐的山河邊界。早有鎮邊的總兵與本處僧道，聞得是欽差御弟法師上西方見佛，無不恭敬。接至裡面供給了，著僧綱請往福原寺安歇。本寺僧人，一一參見，安排晚齋。齋畢，吩咐二從者飽喂馬匹，天不明就行。
师徒们行了数日，到了巩州城，早有巩州合属官吏人等迎接入城中。安歇一夜，次早出城前去。一路饥餐渴饮，夜住晓行，两三日，又至河州卫。此乃是大唐的山河边界。早有镇边的总兵与本处僧道，闻得是钦差御弟法师上西方见佛，无不恭敬。接至里面供给了，着僧纲请往福原寺安歇。本寺僧人，一一参见，安排晚斋。斋毕，吩咐二从者饱喂马匹，天不明就行。
After travelling for several days, the master and his attendants reached the city of Gongzhou Prefecture. All the officials under the prefecture’s jurisdiction were already there to welcome them inside. They rested for a night and left early the next morning. Along the road they ate when hungry and drank when thirsty, lodged at night and travelled at dawn. Two or three days later they reached Hezhou Garrison, on the frontier of the Great Tang’s realm. The commander-in-chief guarding the border and the local Buddhist and Daoist clergy had heard that the Emperor’s brother, the master sent by imperial command, was going west to see the Buddha. All treated him with respect. They welcomed him inside, supplied his needs and had the superintendent of monks invite him to stay at Fuyuan Monastery. Its monks came one by one to pay their respects and arranged an evening meal. When it was over, he told the two attendants to feed the horse well: they were to leave before daylight.
及雞方鳴，隨喚從者，卻又驚動寺僧，整治茶湯齋供。齋罷，出離邊界。這長老心忙，太起早了。原來此時秋深時節，雞鳴得早，只好有四更天氣。一行三人，連馬四口，迎著清霜，看著明月，行有數十里遠近，見一山嶺，只得撥草尋路，說不盡崎嶇難走，又恐怕錯了路徑。正疑思之間，忽然失足，三人連馬都跌落坑坎之中。三藏心慌，從者膽戰。卻才悚懼，又聞得裡面哮吼高呼，叫：「拿將來！拿將來！」只見狂風滾滾，擁出五六十個妖邪，將三藏、從者揪了上去。這法師戰戰兢兢的偷眼觀看，上面坐的那魔王十分兇惡。真個是：
雄威身凜凜，猛氣貌堂堂。電目飛光艷，雷聲振四方。鋸牙舒口外，鑿齒露腮旁。錦繡圍身體，文斑裹脊梁。鋼鬍稀見肉，鉤爪利如霜。東海黃公懼，南山白額王。
諕得個三藏魂飛魄散，二從者骨軟筋麻。魔王喝令綁了。眾妖一齊將三人用繩索綁縛。正要安排吞食，只聽得外面喧嘩，有人來報：「熊山君與特處士二位來也。」三藏聞言，擡頭觀看，前走的是一條黑漢。你道他是怎生模樣：
雄豪多膽量，輕健夯身軀。涉水惟兇力，跑林逞怒威。向來符吉夢，今獨露英姿。綠樹能攀折，知寒善諭時。准靈惟顯處，故此號山君。
又見那後邊來的是一條胖漢。你道怎生模樣：
嵯峨雙角冠，端肅聳肩背。性服青衣穩，蹄步多遲滯。宗名父作牯，原號母稱牸。能為田者功，因名特處士。
及鸡方鸣，随唤从者，却又惊动寺僧，整治茶汤斋供。斋罢，出离边界。这长老心忙，太起早了。原来此时秋深时节，鸡鸣得早，只好有四更天气。一行三人，连马四口，迎着清霜，看着明月，行有数十里远近，见一山岭，只得拨草寻路，说不尽崎岖难走，又恐怕错了路径。正疑思之间，忽然失足，三人连马都跌落坑坎之中。三藏心慌，从者胆战。却才悚惧，又闻得里面哮吼高呼，叫：「拿将来！拿将来！」只见狂风滚滚，拥出五六十个妖邪，将三藏、从者揪了上去。这法师战战兢兢的偷眼观看，上面坐的那魔王十分凶恶。真个是：
雄威身凛凛，猛气貌堂堂。电目飞光艳，雷声振四方。锯牙舒口外，凿齿露腮旁。锦绣围身体，文斑裹脊梁。钢胡稀见肉，钩爪利如霜。东海黄公惧，南山白额王。
諕得个三藏魂飞魄散，二从者骨软筋麻。魔王喝令绑了。众妖一齐将三人用绳索绑缚。正要安排吞食，只听得外面喧哗，有人来报：「熊山君与特处士二位来也。」三藏闻言，抬头观看，前走的是一条黑汉。你道他是怎生模样：
雄豪多胆量，轻健夯身躯。涉水惟凶力，跑林逞怒威。向来符吉梦，今独露英姿。绿树能攀折，知寒善谕时。准灵惟显处，故此号山君。
又见那后边来的是一条胖汉。你道怎生模样：
嵯峨双角冠，端肃耸肩背。性服青衣稳，蹄步多迟滞。宗名父作牯，原号母称牸。能为田者功，因名特处士。
The moment the cock crowed, he called his attendants. This woke the monks as well, and they prepared hot tea and a vegetarian meal. After eating, the party left the frontier. The elder was impatient and had risen much too early. It was deep autumn, when cocks crow early: in fact it was only the fourth watch. Three men, or four mouths counting the horse, went on through the clear frost beneath the bright moon. After several dozen li they came to a ridge and had to push through the grass to find a path. Words cannot tell how rough and hard the going was, and they feared they had taken the wrong road. While they were still puzzling over it, their footing suddenly gave way, and all three, horse and all, fell into a pit. Sanzang was panic-stricken; his attendants trembled with fear. Before their first fright had passed, roars and shouts came from within. “Bring them here! Bring them here!” A raging wind rolled out with fifty or sixty demons, who seized Sanzang and his attendants and hauled them up. Shaking all over, the master stole a look at the demon king seated above. He was fearsome indeed. Truly:
A mighty body, grim with power;a fierce and formidable face.Lightning flashes from his eyes;his thunderous voice shakes all four quarters.Saw-teeth thrust beyond his mouth;chisel-fangs jut beside his jaws.Brocade wraps his body;patterned stripes cover his back.Steel whiskers scarcely show the flesh beneath;hooked claws are sharp as frost.He frightens Duke Huang of the East Sea;he is the White-Browed King of the Southern Mountain (Nanshan Bai’e Wang).
Sanzang was frightened out of his wits; the two attendants’ bones went soft and their sinews numb. The demon king ordered them bound, and all the demons set to, tying the three men with ropes. They were just getting ready to devour them when a commotion rose outside. Someone came to report, “Lord Bear of the Mountain (Xiong Shanjun) and Recluse Bull (Te Chushi) have arrived.” Sanzang looked up. In front came a dark fellow. And what did he look like, you may ask?
Bold and brave, with courage to spare;nimble and strong, with a massive frame.He crosses water by brute force;through the woods he runs, flaunting his angry might.Of old he foretold good fortune in dreams;now he shows his own heroic bearing.He can climb green trees and snap their branches;he knows the cold and reads the seasons.His powers are sure wherever they appear;hence his title, the Mountain Lord.
Behind him came a stout fellow. And what did he look like, you may ask?
A towering crown of two horns;shoulders and back erect and solemn.Docile by nature, steady in his blue coat;his hoofed steps are often slow.His sire is known as a bull;his dam is called a cow.For his service to those who till the fields,he is named Recluse Bull.
這兩個搖搖擺擺，走入裡面，慌得那魔王奔出迎接。熊山君道：「寅將軍一向得意，可賀，可賀。」特處士道：「寅將軍丰姿勝常，真可喜，真可喜。」魔王道：「二公連日如何？」山君道：「惟守素耳。」處士道：「惟隨時耳。」三個敘罷，各坐談笑。
这两个摇摇摆摆，走入里面，慌得那魔王奔出迎接。熊山君道：「寅将军一向得意，可贺，可贺。」特处士道：「寅将军丰姿胜常，真可喜，真可喜。」魔王道：「二公连日如何？」山君道：「惟守素耳。」处士道：「惟随时耳。」三个叙罢，各坐谈笑。
The two came swaggering inside, and the demon king hurried out to greet them. Lord Bear of the Mountain said, “General Yin (Yin Jiangjun), you have been doing well as ever. Congratulations, congratulations!” Recluse Bull said, “General Yin, you look finer than ever. What a pleasure, what a pleasure!” The demon king said, “And how have you two gentlemen been these last few days?” The Mountain Lord said, “Keeping to my plain ways, that is all.” The Recluse said, “Following the season, that is all.” When their greetings were done, the three sat down to talk and laugh.
只見那從者綁得痛切悲啼。那黑漢道：「此三者何來？」魔王道：「自送上門來者。」處士笑云：「可能待客否？」魔王道：「奉承，奉承。」山君道：「不可盡用，食其二，留其一可也。」魔王領諾，即呼左右，將二從者剖腹剜心，剁碎其屍：將首級與心肝奉獻二客，將四肢自食，其餘骨肉分給各妖。只聽得嘓啅之聲，真似虎啖羊羔，霎時食盡。把一個長老幾乎諕死。這才是初出長安第一場苦難。
只见那从者绑得痛切悲啼。那黑汉道：「此三者何来？」魔王道：「自送上门来者。」处士笑云：「可能待客否？」魔王道：「奉承，奉承。」山君道：「不可尽用，食其二，留其一可也。」魔王领诺，即呼左右，将二从者剖腹剜心，剁碎其尸：将首级与心肝奉献二客，将四肢自食，其余骨肉分给各妖。只听得啯啅之声，真似虎啖羊羔，霎时食尽。把一个长老几乎諕死。这才是初出长安第一场苦难。
The attendants were weeping bitterly from the pain of their bonds. The dark fellow asked, “Where did these three come from?” The demon king said, “They delivered themselves to our door.” The Recluse laughed. “Could they serve to entertain your guests?” The demon king said, “With pleasure, with pleasure.” The Mountain Lord said, “We must not use them all. Eat two and leave one.” The demon king agreed and called his followers. They slit open the two attendants’ bellies, gouged out their hearts and chopped their bodies to pieces. The heads, hearts and livers he offered to his two guests; the limbs he ate himself; the remaining flesh and bones he divided among the demons. All that could be heard was crunching and chomping, just like tigers devouring lambs. In a moment they had eaten everything. The elder was nearly frightened to death. This was his first ordeal after leaving Chang’an.
正愴慌之間，漸漸的東方發白。那二怪至天曉方散，俱道：「今日厚擾，容日竭誠奉酬。」方一擁而退。
正怆慌之间，渐渐的东方发白。那二怪至天晓方散，俱道：「今日厚扰，容日竭诚奉酬。」方一拥而退。
While he was still grieving and terrified, the east gradually grew pale. The two monsters did not leave until daybreak. Both said, “We have imposed heavily on your hospitality today. Allow us to repay you in all sincerity another day.” Then they swept out together.
不一時，紅日高昇，三藏昏昏沉沉，也辨不得東西南北。正在那不得命處，忽然見一老叟，手持拄杖而來。走上前，用手一拂，繩索皆斷。對面吹了一口氣，三藏方甦，跪拜於地道：「多謝老公公，搭救貧僧性命。」老叟答禮道：「你起來。你可曾疏失了甚麼東西？」三藏道：「貧僧的從人已是被怪食了。只不知行李、馬匹在於何處？」老叟用杖指道：「那廂不是一匹馬、兩個包袱？」三藏回頭看時，果是他的物件，並不曾失落，心才略放下些。問老叟曰：「老公公，此處是甚所在？公公何由在此？」老叟道：「此是雙叉嶺，乃虎狼巢穴處。你為何墮此？」三藏道：「貧僧雞鳴時，出河州衛界，不料起得早了，冒霜撥露，忽失落此地。見一魔王，兇頑太甚，將貧僧與二從者綁了。又見一條黑漢，稱是熊山君；一條胖漢，稱是特處士：走進來，稱那魔王是寅將軍。他三個把我二從者吃了，天光才散。不想我是那裡有這大緣大分，感得老公公來此救我？」老叟道：「處士者，是個野牛精；山君者，是個熊羆精；寅將軍者，是個老虎精。左右妖邪，盡都是山精樹鬼、怪獸蒼狼。只因你的本性元明，所以吃不得你。你跟我來，引你上路。」
不一时，红日高升，三藏昏昏沉沉，也辨不得东西南北。正在那不得命处，忽然见一老叟，手持拄杖而来。走上前，用手一拂，绳索皆断。对面吹了一口气，三藏方甦，跪拜于地道：「多谢老公公，搭救贫僧性命。」老叟答礼道：「你起来。你可曾疏失了甚么东西？」三藏道：「贫僧的从人已是被怪食了。只不知行李、马匹在于何处？」老叟用杖指道：「那厢不是一匹马、两个包袱？」三藏回头看时，果是他的物件，并不曾失落，心才略放下些。问老叟曰：「老公公，此处是甚所在？公公何由在此？」老叟道：「此是双叉岭，乃虎狼巢穴处。你为何堕此？」三藏道：「贫僧鸡鸣时，出河州卫界，不料起得早了，冒霜拨露，忽失落此地。见一魔王，凶顽太甚，将贫僧与二从者绑了。又见一条黑汉，称是熊山君；一条胖汉，称是特处士：走进来，称那魔王是寅将军。他三个把我二从者吃了，天光才散。不想我是那里有这大缘大分，感得老公公来此救我？」老叟道：「处士者，是个野牛精；山君者，是个熊罴精；寅将军者，是个老虎精。左右妖邪，尽都是山精树鬼、怪兽苍狼。只因你的本性元明，所以吃不得你。你跟我来，引你上路。」
Before long the red sun rose high. Sanzang was dazed and could no longer tell east from west or north from south. Just when his life seemed beyond saving, he saw an old man approaching with a walking stick. The old man came up, swept his hand across the ropes and broke them all. He blew a breath into Sanzang’s face, and only then did Sanzang revive. Kneeling on the ground, he said, “Thank you, honoured grandfather, for saving this poor monk’s life.” The old man returned his greeting. “Get up. Have you lost anything?” Sanzang said, “This poor monk’s attendants have been eaten by the monsters. But I do not know where my luggage and horse are.” The old man pointed with his stick. “Are those not a horse and two bundles over there?” Sanzang turned to look. They were indeed his belongings, and nothing had been lost. His mind grew a little easier. He asked, “Honoured grandfather, what place is this? And how do you come to be here?” The old man said, “This is Double-Fork Ridge, a den of tigers and wolves. How did you fall into it?” Sanzang said, “This poor monk left the bounds of Hezhou Garrison at cockcrow. I did not realize I had risen too early. Braving the frost and pushing through the dew, I suddenly fell into this place. I saw a demon king, savage and cruel beyond measure, who had this poor monk bound with his two attendants. Then a dark fellow called Lord Bear of the Mountain and a stout fellow called Recluse Bull came in and addressed the demon king as General Yin. The three ate my two attendants and did not disperse until daylight. Who would have thought I had the good fortune and destined bond to bring you here to save me, honoured grandfather?” The old man said, “The Recluse is a wild bull spirit. The Mountain Lord is a bear spirit. General Yin is a tiger spirit. Their followers are all mountain spirits, tree ghosts, monstrous beasts and grey wolves. Only because your true nature retains its original brightness were they unable to eat you. Follow me. I shall lead you to the road.”
三藏不勝感激，將包袱捎在馬上，牽著韁繩，相隨老叟徑出了坑坎之中，走上大路。卻將馬拴在道旁草頭上，轉身拜謝那公公，那公公遂化作一陣清風，跨一隻硃頂白鶴，騰空而去。只見風飄飄遺下一張簡帖，書上四句頌子。頌子云：
吾乃西天太白星，特來搭救汝生靈。前行自有神徒助，莫為艱難報怨經。
三藏不胜感激，将包袱捎在马上，牵着缰绳，相随老叟径出了坑坎之中，走上大路。却将马拴在道旁草头上，转身拜谢那公公，那公公遂化作一阵清风，跨一只朱顶白鹤，腾空而去。只见风飘飘遗下一张简帖，书上四句颂子。颂子云：
吾乃西天太白星，特来搭救汝生灵。前行自有神徒助，莫为艰难报怨经。
Sanzang could not thank him enough. He slung the bundles over the horse, took its reins and followed the old man straight out of the pit and onto the main road. He tethered the horse beside a patch of grass at the roadside and turned to bow and thank his rescuer. But the old man changed into a clear breeze, mounted a white crane with a crimson crown and rose into the air. A written card came fluttering down on the wind, bearing four lines of verse. The verse said:
I am the Venus Star of the Western Heaven,come expressly to save your life.Go forward: a divine disciple will help you;do not blame the scriptures for the hardships on your way.
三藏看了，對天禮拜道：「多謝金星，度脫此難。」拜畢，牽了馬匹，獨自個孤孤悽悽，往前苦進。這嶺上，真個是：
寒颯颯雨林風，響潺潺澗下水。香馥馥野花開，密叢叢亂石磊。鬧嚷嚷鹿與猿，一隊隊獐和麂。喧雜雜鳥聲多，靜悄悄人事靡。那長老，戰兢兢心不寧；這馬兒，力怯怯蹄難舉。
三藏看了，对天礼拜道：「多谢金星，度脱此难。」拜毕，牵了马匹，独自个孤孤凄凄，往前苦进。这岭上，真个是：
寒飒飒雨林风，响潺潺涧下水。香馥馥野花开，密丛丛乱石磊。闹嚷嚷鹿与猿，一队队獐和麂。喧杂杂鸟声多，静悄悄人事靡。那长老，战兢兢心不宁；这马儿，力怯怯蹄难举。
Sanzang read it and bowed towards heaven. “Thank you, Venus Star, for delivering me from this ordeal.” When he had finished bowing, he took the horse and struggled onwards, lonely and forlorn. On that ridge, truly:
Cold and biting, the wind through the rain-soaked woods;rushing and murmuring, the water below in the ravine.Sweet and fragrant, the wild flowers bloom;thick and crowded, the jumbled rocks pile up.Noisy and clamorous, deer and apes;troop upon troop of water deer and muntjacs.A jumble of cries from the many birds;still and silent, with no sign of human life.The elder trembles,his heart ill at ease;the horse is weak and fearful,scarcely able to lift its hooves.
三藏捨身拚命，上了那峻嶺之間。行經半日，更不見個人煙村舍。一則腹中饑了，二則路又不平。正在危急之際，只見前面有兩隻猛虎咆哮，後邊有幾條長蛇盤繞。左有毒蟲，右有怪獸。三藏孤身無策，只得放下身心，聽天所命。又無奈那馬腰軟蹄彎，即便跪下，伏倒在地，打又打不起，牽又牽不動。苦得個法師襯身無地，真個有萬分悽楚，已自分必死，莫可奈何。
三藏舍身拼命，上了那峻岭之间。行经半日，更不见个人烟村舍。一则腹中饥了，二则路又不平。正在危急之际，只见前面有两只猛虎咆哮，后边有几条长蛇盘绕。左有毒虫，右有怪兽。三藏孤身无策，只得放下身心，听天所命。又无奈那马腰软蹄弯，即便跪下，伏倒在地，打又打不起，牵又牵不动。苦得个法师衬身无地，真个有万分凄楚，已自分必死，莫可奈何。
Sanzang put his life at hazard and climbed into the steep hills. Half a day passed without a trace of habitation or a village home. His belly was hungry, and the road was rough as well. At this desperate moment he saw two fierce tigers roaring ahead of him, while several long snakes coiled behind. Poisonous creatures lay to his left and monstrous beasts to his right. Alone and without a plan, Sanzang could only give up all thought for body and mind and leave his fate to Heaven. Worse still, the horse’s back went weak and its legs buckled. It dropped to its knees and lay on the ground. Beating would not make it rise; pulling would not make it move. The poor master had nowhere safe to put himself, and his misery was beyond measure. He had already resigned himself to certain death. There was nothing he could do.
卻說他雖有災迍，卻有救應。正在那不得命處，忽然見毒蟲奔走，妖獸飛逃，猛虎潛蹤，長蛇隱跡。三藏擡頭看時，只見一人，手執鋼叉，腰懸弓箭，自那山坡前轉出，果然是一條好漢。你看他：
頭上戴一頂艾葉花斑豹皮帽，身上穿一領羊絨織錦叵羅衣，腰間束一條獅蠻帶，腳下屣一對麂皮靴。環眼圓睛如弔客，圈鬚亂擾似河奎。懸一囊毒藥弓矢，拿一桿點鋼大叉。雷聲震破山蟲膽，勇猛驚殘野雉魂。
却说他虽有灾迍，却有救应。正在那不得命处，忽然见毒虫奔走，妖兽飞逃，猛虎潜踪，长蛇隐迹。三藏抬头看时，只见一人，手执钢叉，腰悬弓箭，自那山坡前转出，果然是一条好汉。你看他：
头上戴一顶艾叶花斑豹皮帽，身上穿一领羊绒织锦叵罗衣，腰间束一条狮蛮带，脚下屣一对麂皮靴。环眼圆睛如吊客，圈须乱扰似河奎。悬一囊毒药弓矢，拿一杆点钢大叉。雷声震破山虫胆，勇猛惊残野雉魂。
Now, though calamity had found him, help was at hand. Just when his life seemed beyond saving, the poisonous creatures suddenly scurried off, the monstrous beasts fled, the fierce tigers vanished and the long snakes slipped out of sight. Sanzang looked up and saw a man coming round the hillside, a steel fork in his hand and bow and arrows hanging at his waist. A fine, stout fellow he was. Look at him:
On his head a leopard-skin cap patterned like mugwort leaves; on his body a poluo robe of woven wool brocade; about his waist a belt worked with lions and barbarians; on his feet a pair of muntjac-hide boots.His round, glaring eyes are like the Mourning Visitor’s;his curling beard is tangled like the River Chief’s.A quiver of poisoned arrows and a bow hang at his side;he carries a great fork of tempered steel.His thunderous voice shatters the courage of mountain beasts;his ferocity scares the souls out of wild pheasants.
三藏見他來得漸近，跪在路傍，合掌高叫道：「大王救命！大王救命！」那條漢到邊前，放下鋼叉，用手攙起道：「長老休怕。我不是歹人，我是這山中的獵戶，姓劉名伯欽，綽號鎮山太保。我才自來，要尋兩隻山蟲食用。不期遇著你，多有衝撞。」三藏道：「貧僧是大唐駕下欽差，往西天拜佛求經的和尚。適間來到此處，遇著些狼虎蛇蟲，四邊圍繞，不能前進。忽見太保來，眾獸皆走，救了貧僧性命，多謝，多謝。」伯欽道：「我在這裡住人，專倚打些狼虎為生，捉些蛇蟲過活，故此眾獸怕我走了。你既是唐朝來的，與我都是鄉里。此間還是大唐的地界，我也是唐朝的百姓，我和你同食皇王的水土，誠然是一國之人。你休怕，跟我來，到我舍下歇馬，明朝我送你上路。」三藏聞言，滿心歡喜，謝了伯欽，牽馬隨行。
三藏见他来得渐近，跪在路傍，合掌高叫道：「大王救命！大王救命！」那条汉到边前，放下钢叉，用手搀起道：「长老休怕。我不是歹人，我是这山中的猎户，姓刘名伯钦，绰号镇山太保。我才自来，要寻两只山虫食用。不期遇着你，多有冲撞。」三藏道：「贫僧是大唐驾下钦差，往西天拜佛求经的和尚。适间来到此处，遇着些狼虎蛇虫，四边围绕，不能前进。忽见太保来，众兽皆走，救了贫僧性命，多谢，多谢。」伯钦道：「我在这里住人，专倚打些狼虎为生，捉些蛇虫过活，故此众兽怕我走了。你既是唐朝来的，与我都是乡里。此间还是大唐的地界，我也是唐朝的百姓，我和你同食皇王的水土，诚然是一国之人。你休怕，跟我来，到我舍下歇马，明朝我送你上路。」三藏闻言，满心欢喜，谢了伯钦，牵马随行。
As the man drew nearer, Sanzang knelt beside the road, joined his palms and cried, “Great King, save me! Great King, save me!” The fellow came up, set down his steel fork and helped him to his feet. “Do not be afraid, Elder. I am no villain. I am a hunter in these mountains, surnamed Liu and named Boqin, nicknamed the Mountain-Subduing Protector (Zhenshan Taibao). I had only just come out to find a couple of mountain beasts to eat. I did not expect to meet you. Forgive me for startling you.” Sanzang said, “This poor monk has been sent by the Emperor of the Great Tang to worship the Buddha in the Western Heaven and seek the scriptures. Just now I came here and found wolves, tigers, snakes and poisonous creatures surrounding me on every side, so that I could not go forward. Then you appeared, Protector, and all the beasts ran away. You have saved this poor monk’s life. Thank you, thank you.” Boqin said, “I live here, and make my living entirely by hunting wolves and tigers and catching snakes and other creatures. That is why the beasts feared me and ran off. Since you come from the Tang, we are fellow countrymen. This is still the Great Tang’s territory, and I too am a Tang subject. We both live on our Emperor’s water and soil, and truly belong to the same country. Do not be afraid. Come with me to my home and rest your horse. Tomorrow I shall see you on your way.” Sanzang was filled with joy. He thanked Boqin and followed him, leading the horse.
過了山坡，又聽得呼呼風響。伯欽道：「長老休走，坐在此間。風響處，是個山貓來了，等我拿他家去管待你。」三藏見說，又膽戰心驚，不敢舉步。那太保執了鋼叉，拽開步，迎將上去。只見一隻斑斕虎，對面撞見，他看見伯欽，急回頭就走。這太保霹靂一聲，咄道：「那業畜那裡走！」那虎見趕得急，轉身掄爪撲來。這太保三股叉舉手迎敵。諕得個三藏軟癱在草地。這和尚自出娘肚皮，那曾見這樣凶險的勾當。太保與那虎在那山坡下，人虎相持，果是一場好鬥。但見：
怒氣紛紛，狂風滾滾。怒氣紛紛，太保沖冠多膂力；狂風滾滾，斑彪逞勢噴紅塵。那一個張牙舞爪，這一個轉步回身。三股叉擎天幌日，千花尾擾霧雲飛。這一個當胸亂刺，那一個劈面來吞。閃過的再生人道，撞著的定見閻君。只聽得那斑彪哮吼，太保聲狠。斑彪哮吼，振裂山川驚鳥獸；太保聲狠，喝開天府現星辰。那一個金睛怒出，這一個壯膽生嗔。可愛鎮山劉太保，堪誇據地獸之君。人虎貪生爭勝負，些兒有慢喪三魂。
过了山坡，又听得呼呼风响。伯钦道：「长老休走，坐在此间。风响处，是个山猫来了，等我拿他家去管待你。」三藏见说，又胆战心惊，不敢举步。那太保执了钢叉，拽开步，迎将上去。只见一只斑斓虎，对面撞见，他看见伯钦，急回头就走。这太保霹雳一声，咄道：「那业畜那里走！」那虎见赶得急，转身抡爪扑来。这太保三股叉举手迎敌。諕得个三藏软瘫在草地。这和尚自出娘肚皮，那曾见这样凶险的勾当。太保与那虎在那山坡下，人虎相持，果是一场好斗。但见：
怒气纷纷，狂风滚滚。怒气纷纷，太保冲冠多膂力；狂风滚滚，斑彪逞势喷红尘。那一个张牙舞爪，这一个转步回身。三股叉擎天幌日，千花尾扰雾云飞。这一个当胸乱刺，那一个劈面来吞。闪过的再生人道，撞着的定见阎君。只听得那斑彪哮吼，太保声狠。斑彪哮吼，振裂山川惊鸟兽；太保声狠，喝开天府现星辰。那一个金睛怒出，这一个壮胆生嗔。可爱镇山刘太保，堪夸据地兽之君。人虎贪生争胜负，些儿有慢丧三魂。
After they crossed the hillside, they heard the wind roar again. Boqin said, “Go no farther, Elder. Sit here. That wind means a mountain cat is coming. Wait while I catch it and take it home to entertain you.” At these words Sanzang’s heart shook with fear again, and he dared not take a step. The Protector gripped his steel fork, lengthened his stride and went to meet it. A striped tiger came upon him face to face. The moment it saw Boqin, it turned to flee. With a thunderclap of a shout the Protector roared, “Where are you going, you accursed beast?” Pursued so closely, the tiger wheeled round, swung its claws and sprang at him. The Protector raised his three-pronged fork to meet it. Sanzang was so frightened that he collapsed on the grass. Since the day this monk came out of his mother’s belly, when had he ever seen anything so deadly? Below the hillside the Protector and the tiger faced each other, man against beast. A fine battle it was. This is what he saw:
Anger seethes;wild winds roll.Anger seethes: the Protector’s hair thrusts up against his cap,his muscles full of strength.Wild winds roll: the striped tiger flaunts its mightand blows up red dust.One bares its fangs and brandishes its claws;the other shifts his feet and turns his body.The three-pronged fork rises to the sky and flashes in the sun;the tail of a thousand patterns stirs the mist and sends the clouds flying.This one stabs wildly at the breast;that one comes to swallow him face first.Dodge the blow, and you may live again among men;meet it, and you will surely see the King of the Underworld.Hear the striped tiger roar,hear the Protector’s savage shout.The striped tiger roars,splitting mountains and rivers and startling birds and beasts;the Protector shouts,throwing open the gates of Heaven to reveal the stars.One glares with angry golden eyes;the other swells with courage and wrath.Admirable Protector Liu, who subdues the mountain;praiseworthy king of beasts, who holds his ground.Man and tiger cling to life and fight for victory;the slightest lapse will cost the three souls.
他兩個鬥了有一個時辰，只見那虎爪慢腰鬆，被太保舉叉平胸刺倒。可憐啊，鋼叉尖穿透心肝，霎時間血流滿地。揪著耳朵，拖上路來。好男子，氣不連喘，面不改色，對三藏道：「造化，造化。這隻山貓，夠長老食用一日。」三藏誇讚不盡道：「太保真山神也！」伯欽道：「有何本事，敢勞過獎？這個是長老的洪福。去來，趕早兒剝了皮，煮些肉，管待你也。」
他两个斗了有一个时辰，只见那虎爪慢腰松，被太保举叉平胸刺倒。可怜啊，钢叉尖穿透心肝，霎时间血流满地。揪着耳朵，拖上路来。好男子，气不连喘，面不改色，对三藏道：「造化，造化。这只山猫，够长老食用一日。」三藏夸赞不尽道：「太保真山神也！」伯钦道：「有何本事，敢劳过奖？这个是长老的洪福。去来，赶早儿剥了皮，煮些肉，管待你也。」
The two fought for some two hours. At last the tiger’s claws slowed and its back slackened, and the Protector levelled his fork at its breast and struck it down. A pitiful sight! The steel points pierced its heart and liver, and in a moment blood covered the ground. He seized its ears and dragged it up to the road. What a man: not even out of breath, without a change of colour in his face. He said to Sanzang, “Good fortune, good fortune! This mountain cat will feed you for a day, Elder.” Sanzang could not praise him enough. “Protector, you are truly a mountain god!” Boqin said, “What ability have I to deserve such praise? It is your own great good fortune, Elder. Come along. Let us skin it while there is time and cook some meat to entertain you.”
他一隻手執著叉，一隻手拖著虎，在前引路。三藏牽著馬，隨後而行。迤𨓦行過山坡，忽見一座山莊。那門前真個是：
參天古樹，漫路荒籐。萬壑風塵冷，千崖氣象奇。一徑野花香襲體，數竿幽竹綠依依。草門樓，籬笆院，堪描堪畫；石板橋，白土壁，真樂真稀。秋容蕭索，爽氣孤高。道傍黃葉落，嶺上白雲飄。疏林內山禽聒聒，莊門外細犬嘹嘹。
他一只手执着叉，一只手拖着虎，在前引路。三藏牵着马，随后而行。迤𨓦行过山坡，忽见一座山庄。那门前真个是：
参天古树，漫路荒籐。万壑风尘冷，千崖气象奇。一径野花香袭体，数竿幽竹绿依依。草门楼，篱笆院，堪描堪画；石板桥，白土壁，真乐真稀。秋容萧索，爽气孤高。道傍黄叶落，岭上白云飘。疏林内山禽聒聒，庄门外细犬嘹嘹。
With the fork in one hand and the tiger in the other, he led the way, dragging it behind him. Sanzang followed with the horse. They wound over the hillside and suddenly came upon a mountain homestead. Before its gate, truly:
Ancient trees reach the sky;wild vines spread across the road.Wind and dust are cold in ten thousand ravines;a thousand cliffs show wondrous forms.The scent of wild flowers along one path steals over the body;a few slender bamboos lean softly green.A thatched gateway, a fenced courtyard, fit to draw and paint;a stone-slab bridge, white earthen walls, a rare and true delight.Autumn’s face is bleak and spare;the crisp air lofty and solitary.Yellow leaves fall beside the road;white clouds drift above the ridge.Within the open woods mountain birds chatter;outside the homestead’s gate slender hounds give voice.
伯欽到了門首，將死虎擲下，叫：「小的們何在？」只見走出三四個家僮，都是怪形惡相之類，上前拖拖拉拉，把隻虎扛將進去。伯欽吩咐教趕早剝了皮，安排將來待客。復回頭迎接三藏進內，彼此相見，三藏又拜謝伯欽厚恩憐憫救命。伯欽道：「同鄉之人，何勞致謝。」坐定茶罷，有一老嫗領著一個媳婦，對三藏進禮。伯欽道：「此是家母、小妻。」三藏道：「請令堂上坐，貧僧奉拜。」老嫗道：「長老遠客，各請自珍，不勞拜罷。」伯欽道：「母親啊，他是唐王駕下，差往西天見佛求經者。適間在嶺頭上遇著孩兒，孩兒念一國之人，請他來家歇馬，明日送他上路。」老嫗聞言，十分懽喜道：「好，好，好。就是請他，不得這般恰好。明日你父親週忌，就浼長老做些好事，念卷經文，到後日送他去罷。」這劉伯欽雖是一個殺虎手，鎮山的太保，他卻有些孝順之心。聞得母言，就要安排香紙，留住三藏。
伯钦到了门首，将死虎掷下，叫：「小的们何在？」只见走出三四个家僮，都是怪形恶相之类，上前拖拖拉拉，把只虎扛将进去。伯钦吩咐教赶早剥了皮，安排将来待客。复回头迎接三藏进内，彼此相见，三藏又拜谢伯钦厚恩怜悯救命。伯钦道：「同乡之人，何劳致谢。」坐定茶罢，有一老妪领着一个媳妇，对三藏进礼。伯钦道：「此是家母、小妻。」三藏道：「请令堂上坐，贫僧奉拜。」老妪道：「长老远客，各请自珍，不劳拜罢。」伯钦道：「母亲啊，他是唐王驾下，差往西天见佛求经者。适间在岭头上遇着孩儿，孩儿念一国之人，请他来家歇马，明日送他上路。」老妪闻言，十分懽喜道：「好，好，好。就是请他，不得这般恰好。明日你父亲周忌，就浼长老做些好事，念卷经文，到后日送他去罢。」这刘伯钦虽是一个杀虎手，镇山的太保，他却有些孝顺之心。闻得母言，就要安排香纸，留住三藏。
Boqin reached the gate, threw down the dead tiger and called, “Where are you, lads?” Three or four houseboys came out, all strange of shape and fierce of face. They hauled and dragged the tiger, then shouldered it inside. Boqin told them to skin it quickly and get it ready for the guest. He turned back to welcome Sanzang into the house. They exchanged greetings, and Sanzang bowed again, thanking Boqin for the great kindness and pity that had saved his life. Boqin said, “We are fellow countrymen. Why thank me?” When they had sat down and taken tea, an old woman came in with a younger married woman and paid her respects to Sanzang. “This is my mother,” said Boqin, “and my humble wife.” Sanzang said, “Please let your honoured mother take the upper seat, so that this poor monk may bow to her.” The old woman said, “You are a guest from far away, Elder. Let us each take care of ourselves; there is no need to bow.” Boqin said, “Mother, he has been sent by the Tang Emperor to see the Buddha in the Western Heaven and seek the scriptures. He met your son just now on the ridge. Since we are men of the same country, I invited him home to rest his horse. Tomorrow I shall see him on his way.” His mother was delighted. “Good, good, good! Even if we had invited him, we could not have timed it so well. Tomorrow is the anniversary of your father’s death. We shall ask the elder to perform some works of merit and chant a scroll of scripture. See him on his way the day after.” Though Liu Boqin was a tiger-killer and the Protector who subdued the mountain, he did have some filial feeling. At his mother’s words he at once arranged for incense and paper offerings and kept Sanzang with them.
說話間，不覺的天色將晚。小的們排開桌凳，拿幾盤爛熟虎肉，熱騰騰的放在上面。伯欽請三藏權用，再另辦飯。三藏合掌當胸道：「善哉！貧僧不瞞太保說，自出娘胎，就做和尚，更不曉得吃葷。」伯欽聞得此說，沉吟了半晌道：「長老，寒家歷代以來，不曉得吃素。就是有些竹筍，採些木耳，尋些乾菜，做些豆腐，也都是獐鹿虎豹的油煎，卻無甚素處。有兩眼鍋灶，也都是油膩透了。這等奈何？反是我請長老的不是。」三藏道：「太保不必多心，請自受用。我貧僧就是三五日不吃飯，也可忍餓，只是不敢破了齋戒。」伯欽道：「倘或餓死，卻如之何？」三藏道：「感得太保天恩，搭救出虎狼叢裡，就是餓死，也強如喂虎。」
说话间，不觉的天色将晚。小的们排开桌凳，拿几盘烂熟虎肉，热腾腾的放在上面。伯钦请三藏权用，再另办饭。三藏合掌当胸道：「善哉！贫僧不瞒太保说，自出娘胎，就做和尚，更不晓得吃荤。」伯钦闻得此说，沉吟了半晌道：「长老，寒家历代以来，不晓得吃素。就是有些竹笋，采些木耳，寻些干菜，做些豆腐，也都是獐鹿虎豹的油煎，却无甚素处。有两眼锅灶，也都是油腻透了。这等奈何？反是我请长老的不是。」三藏道：「太保不必多心，请自受用。我贫僧就是三五日不吃饭，也可忍饿，只是不敢破了斋戒。」伯钦道：「倘或饿死，却如之何？」三藏道：「感得太保天恩，搭救出虎狼丛里，就是饿死，也强如喂虎。」
As they talked, evening drew on before they knew it. The lads set out tables and benches and placed several dishes of well-cooked tiger meat on them, steaming hot. Boqin invited Sanzang to have some while a separate meal was prepared. Sanzang joined his palms before his breast. “Blessings! This poor monk must tell you frankly, Protector: I have been a monk since I came out of my mother’s womb and have never known how to eat flesh.” Boqin pondered for a long while. “Elder, for generations my humble family has never known how to eat vegetarian food. Even when we have bamboo shoots, gather wood-ear mushrooms, find dried greens or make tofu, they are all fried in fat from water deer, deer, tigers or leopards. There is nothing vegetarian about them. We have two cooking hearths, and both their pots are soaked through with grease. What are we to do? It seems I was wrong to invite you.” Sanzang said, “Do not trouble yourself, Protector. Please eat. This poor monk can endure hunger even if I go three or five days without food. I simply dare not break the vegetarian rule and the precepts.” Boqin said, “And what if you starve to death?” Sanzang said, “Thanks to your heavenly kindness, Protector, I have been saved from the midst of tigers and wolves. Even starving to death would be better than feeding a tiger.”
伯欽的母親聞說，叫道：「孩兒不要與長老閑講，我自有素物，可以管待。」伯欽道：「素物何來？」母親道：「你莫管我，我自有素的。」叫媳婦將小鍋取下，著火燒了油膩，刷了又刷，洗了又洗，卻仍安在灶上。先燒半鍋滾水，別用。卻又將些山地榆葉子，著水煎作茶湯。然後將些黃粱粟米，煮起飯來。又把些乾菜煮熟。盛了兩碗，拿出來鋪在桌上。老母對著三藏道：「長老請齋。這是老身與兒婦，親自動手整理的些極潔極淨的茶飯。」三藏下來謝了，方才上坐。
伯钦的母亲闻说，叫道：「孩儿不要与长老闲讲，我自有素物，可以管待。」伯钦道：「素物何来？」母亲道：「你莫管我，我自有素的。」叫媳妇将小锅取下，着火烧了油腻，刷了又刷，洗了又洗，却仍安在灶上。先烧半锅滚水，别用。却又将些山地榆叶子，着水煎作茶汤。然后将些黄粱粟米，煮起饭来。又把些干菜煮熟。盛了两碗，拿出来铺在桌上。老母对着三藏道：「长老请斋。这是老身与儿妇，亲自动手整理的些极洁极净的茶饭。」三藏下来谢了，方才上坐。
Boqin’s mother heard this and called, “Son, stop chattering with the elder. I have vegetarian food to serve him.” Boqin asked, “Where would vegetarian food come from?” His mother said, “Never mind me. I have something vegetarian.” She told her daughter-in-law to take down a small pot, burn off the grease over the fire, scrub it again and again, wash it again and again, then put it back on the hearth. First she boiled half a pot of water and set it aside for another use. Then she simmered some leaves of wild burnet in water to make tea. After that she cooked a meal of yellow millet and boiled some dried greens. She filled two bowls, brought them out and set them on the table. The old mother said to Sanzang, “Please take your meal, Elder. My daughter-in-law and I have prepared this tea and food with our own hands. Everything is perfectly clean and pure.” Sanzang came down from his seat to thank her before sitting down again.
那伯欽另設一處，鋪排些沒鹽沒醬的老虎肉、香獐肉、蟒蛇肉、狐狸肉、兔肉，點剁鹿肉乾巴，滿盤滿碗的陪著三藏吃齋。方坐下，心欲舉箸，只見三藏合掌誦經，諕得個伯欽不敢動箸，急起身立在旁邊。三藏念不數句，卻教請齋。伯欽道：「你是個念短頭經的和尚？」三藏道：「此非是經，乃是一卷揭齋之咒。」伯欽道：「你們出家人，偏有許多計較，吃飯便也念誦念誦。」
那伯钦另设一处，铺排些没盐没酱的老虎肉、香獐肉、蟒蛇肉、狐狸肉、兔肉，点剁鹿肉干巴，满盘满碗的陪着三藏吃斋。方坐下，心欲举箸，只见三藏合掌诵经，諕得个伯钦不敢动箸，急起身立在旁边。三藏念不数句，却教请斋。伯钦道：「你是个念短头经的和尚？」三藏道：「此非是经，乃是一卷揭斋之咒。」伯钦道：「你们出家人，偏有许多计较，吃饭便也念诵念诵。」
Boqin had another place laid with tiger meat, musk-deer meat, python meat, fox meat and rabbit meat, all without salt or sauce, and some chopped dried venison. With full dishes and brimming bowls, he sat down to keep Sanzang company at his meal. He had only just taken his seat and was about to lift his chopsticks when he saw Sanzang join his palms and chant. Boqin was so startled that he dared not move his chopsticks. He hurriedly stood up beside the table. Sanzang recited only a few phrases, then invited him to eat. Boqin said, “Are you a monk who chants scriptures with the ends cut short?” Sanzang said, “This is no scripture. It is a spell for beginning the meal.” Boqin said, “You people who leave the household life do have a great many things to fuss over. Even when you eat, you have to chant away.”
吃了齋飯，收了盤碗，漸漸天晚。伯欽引著三藏出中宅，到後邊走走。穿過夾道，有一座草亭。推開門，入到裡面。只見那四壁上掛幾張強弓硬弩，插幾壺箭；過梁上搭兩塊血腥的虎皮；牆根頭插著許多槍刀叉棒；正中間設兩張坐器。伯欽請三藏坐坐。三藏見這般兇險腌臢，不敢久坐，遂出了草亭。又往後再行，是一座大園子，卻看不盡那叢叢菊蕊堆黃，樹樹楓楊掛赤。又見呼的一聲，跑出十來隻肥鹿，一大陣黃獐，見了人，呢呢痴痴，更不恐懼。三藏道：「這獐鹿想是太保養家了的？」伯欽道：「似你那長安城中人家，有錢的集財寶，有莊的集聚稻糧。我們這打獵的，只得聚養些野獸，備天陰耳。」他兩個說話閑行，不覺黃昏，復轉前宅安歇。
吃了斋饭，收了盘碗，渐渐天晚。伯钦引着三藏出中宅，到后边走走。穿过夹道，有一座草亭。推开门，入到里面。只见那四壁上挂几张强弓硬弩，插几壶箭；过梁上搭两块血腥的虎皮；墙根头插着许多枪刀叉棒；正中间设两张坐器。伯钦请三藏坐坐。三藏见这般凶险腌臜，不敢久坐，遂出了草亭。又往后再行，是一座大园子，却看不尽那丛丛菊蕊堆黄，树树枫杨挂赤。又见呼的一声，跑出十来只肥鹿，一大阵黄獐，见了人，呢呢痴痴，更不恐惧。三藏道：「这獐鹿想是太保养家了的？」伯钦道：「似你那长安城中人家，有钱的集财宝，有庄的集聚稻粮。我们这打猎的，只得聚养些野兽，备天阴耳。」他两个说话闲行，不觉黄昏，复转前宅安歇。
When they had eaten and the dishes and bowls were cleared away, the sky gradually darkened. Boqin led Sanzang out of the middle part of the house for a walk behind it. They passed through a narrow passage to a thatched pavilion, pushed open the door and went inside. Several powerful bows and stiff crossbows hung on the four walls, with a few quivers of arrows set among them. Two bloody tiger skins lay over a crossbeam. Many spears, blades, forks and cudgels stood along the foot of the walls, and two seats had been placed in the middle. Boqin invited Sanzang to sit a while. Faced with such menacing, filthy things, Sanzang dared not stay long and went out of the pavilion. Farther behind it lay a large garden, where there was no end to the clusters of yellow chrysanthemums and the maples and poplars hung with red. With a sudden rush, a dozen or so fat deer and a great herd of yellow water deer ran out. At the sight of people they stood about, placid and unconcerned, without the least fear. Sanzang said, “I suppose these deer have been tamed and raised by you, Protector?” Boqin said, “Among you people in Chang’an, those with money store up treasure, and those with estates store up rice and grain. We hunters can only keep a stock of wild beasts against rainy days.” The two strolled and talked until, before they knew it, dusk had fallen. They went back to the front of the house to rest.
次早，那合家老小都起來，就整素齋，管待長老，請開啟念經。這長老淨了手，同太保家堂前拈了香，拜了家堂。三藏方敲響木魚，先念了淨口業的真言，又念了淨身心的神咒，然後開《度亡經》一卷。誦畢，伯欽又請寫薦亡疏一道，再開念《金剛經》、《觀音經》。一一朗音高誦。誦畢，吃了午齋，又念《法華經》、《彌陀經》，各誦幾卷，又念一卷《孔雀經》，及談苾蒭洗業的故事，早又天晚。獻過了種種香火，化了眾神紙馬，燒了薦亡文疏。佛事已畢，又各安寢。
次早，那合家老小都起来，就整素斋，管待长老，请开启念经。这长老净了手，同太保家堂前拈了香，拜了家堂。三藏方敲响木鱼，先念了净口业的真言，又念了净身心的神咒，然后开《度亡经》一卷。诵毕，伯钦又请写荐亡疏一道，再开念《金刚经》、《观音经》。一一朗音高诵。诵毕，吃了午斋，又念《法华经》、《弥陀经》，各诵几卷，又念一卷《孔雀经》，及谈苾蒭洗业的故事，早又天晚。献过了种种香火，化了众神纸马，烧了荐亡文疏。佛事已毕，又各安寝。
Early the next morning everyone in the household, old and young, got up and prepared a vegetarian meal for the elder, then asked him to begin chanting the scriptures. The elder washed his hands, offered incense with the Protector before the family shrine and bowed to it. Sanzang then sounded the wooden fish. First he recited the true words for purifying the karma of speech, then the sacred spell for purifying body and mind, and after that began a scroll of the Sutra for Delivering the Dead. When he had finished, Boqin asked him to write a memorial recommending the dead for deliverance. He then began the Diamond Sutra and the Guanyin Sutra, chanting each in a clear, full voice. When these were done, he took the midday meal, then recited several scrolls each of the Lotus Sutra and the Amitabha Sutra, followed by a scroll of the Peacock Sutra. He also told the story of bhikshus cleansing their karma. By then evening had come again. They made all the incense offerings, burned the paper horses of the various gods and burned the memorial for the dead. The Buddhist rites were complete, and everyone went to bed.
卻說那伯欽的父親之靈，超薦得脫沉淪，鬼魂兒早來到自家宅內，托一夢與合宅長幼道：「我在陰司裡苦難難脫，日久不得超生。今幸得聖僧念了經卷，消了我的罪業，閻王差人送我上中華富地，長者人家托生去了。你們可好生謝送長老，不要怠慢，不要怠慢。我去也。」這才是：
萬法莊嚴端有意，薦亡離苦出沉淪。
那合家兒夢醒，又早太陽東上。伯欽的娘子道：「太保，我今夜夢見公公來家，說他在陰司苦難難脫，日久不得超生。今幸得聖僧念了經卷，消了他的罪業，閻王差人送他上中華富地，長者人家托生去，教我們好生謝那長老，不得怠慢他。說罷，徑出門，徉徜去了。我們叫他不應，留他不住。醒來卻是一夢。」伯欽道：「我也是那等一夢，與你一般。我們起去對母親說去。」他兩口子正欲去說，只見老母叫道：「伯欽孩兒，你來，我與你說話。」二人至前，老母坐在床上道：「兒啊，我今夜得了個喜夢，夢見你父親來家，說多虧了長老超度，已消了罪業，上中華富地，長者家去托生。」夫妻們俱呵呵大笑道：「我與媳婦皆有此夢，正來告稟，不期母親呼喚，也是此夢。」遂叫一家大小起來，安排謝意，替他收拾馬匹，都至前拜謝道：「多謝長老超薦我亡父脫難超生，報答不盡。」三藏道：「貧僧有何能處，敢勞致謝？」
却说那伯钦的父亲之灵，超荐得脱沉沦，鬼魂儿早来到自家宅内，托一梦与合宅长幼道：「我在阴司里苦难难脱，日久不得超生。今幸得圣僧念了经卷，消了我的罪业，阎王差人送我上中华富地，长者人家托生去了。你们可好生谢送长老，不要怠慢，不要怠慢。我去也。」这才是：
万法庄严端有意，荐亡离苦出沉沦。
那合家儿梦醒，又早太阳东上。伯钦的娘子道：「太保，我今夜梦见公公来家，说他在阴司苦难难脱，日久不得超生。今幸得圣僧念了经卷，消了他的罪业，阎王差人送他上中华富地，长者人家托生去，教我们好生谢那长老，不得怠慢他。说罢，径出门，徉徜去了。我们叫他不应，留他不住。醒来却是一梦。」伯钦道：「我也是那等一梦，与你一般。我们起去对母亲说去。」他两口子正欲去说，只见老母叫道：「伯钦孩儿，你来，我与你说话。」二人至前，老母坐在床上道：「儿啊，我今夜得了个喜梦，梦见你父亲来家，说多亏了长老超度，已消了罪业，上中华富地，长者家去托生。」夫妻们俱呵呵大笑道：「我与媳妇皆有此梦，正来告禀，不期母亲呼唤，也是此梦。」遂叫一家大小起来，安排谢意，替他收拾马匹，都至前拜谢道：「多谢长老超荐我亡父脱难超生，报答不尽。」三藏道：「贫僧有何能处，敢劳致谢？」
Now, the spirit of Boqin’s father had been delivered from his sunken state by these rites. His ghost soon came to his own home and appeared in a dream to everyone there, young and old. “I was suffering in the Underworld and could not escape. For a long time I could not attain rebirth. Happily the holy monk has now chanted the scriptures and wiped away my sinful karma. The King of the Underworld has sent someone to escort me to a prosperous region of China, where I shall be reborn in a wealthy household. Thank the elder well and see him on his way. Do not neglect him, do not neglect him. I am going.” Truly:
the solemn splendour of all the teachings has a purpose;rites for the dead free them from suffering and lift them from the depths.
When the household woke from the dream, the sun was already rising in the east. Boqin’s wife said, “Protector, tonight I dreamed that your father came home. He said he was suffering in the Underworld and could not escape, and had long been unable to attain rebirth. Happily the holy monk had chanted the scriptures and wiped away his sinful karma. The King of the Underworld had sent someone to take him to a prosperous region of China, where he would be reborn in a wealthy household. He told us to thank the elder well and never neglect him. When he had finished, he went straight out through the door and wandered away. We called, but he did not answer; we could not make him stay. When I woke, it was only a dream.” Boqin said, “I had just the same dream as you. Let us get up and tell Mother.” The couple were about to go when they heard the old mother call, “Boqin, my son, come here. I have something to tell you.” They went to her, and the old mother sat on her bed and said, “Son, tonight I had a happy dream. I dreamed your father came home and said that thanks to the elder’s rites of deliverance his sinful karma had been wiped away, and he was going to be reborn in a wealthy household in a prosperous region of China.” Husband and wife laughed heartily. “My wife and I both had that dream,” said Boqin. “We were just coming to tell you, and then you called us. You had it too!” They called everyone in the household to get up and prepare tokens of thanks, and made the horse ready for Sanzang. All came before him and bowed. “Thank you, Elder, for delivering our late father from suffering and helping him to rebirth. We can never repay you.” Sanzang said, “What ability has this poor monk to deserve your thanks?”
伯欽把三口兒的夢話對三藏陳訴一遍，三藏也喜。早供給了素齋，又具白銀一兩為謝。三藏分文不受。一家兒又懇懇拜央，三藏畢竟分文未受。但道：「是你肯發慈悲送我一程，足感至愛。」伯欽與母妻無奈，急做了些粗麵燒餅乾糧，叫伯欽遠送。三藏歡喜收納。太保領了母命，又喚兩三個家僮，各帶捕獵的器械，同上大路。看不盡那山中野景，嶺上風光。
伯钦把三口儿的梦话对三藏陈诉一遍，三藏也喜。早供给了素斋，又具白银一两为谢。三藏分文不受。一家儿又恳恳拜央，三藏毕竟分文未受。但道：「是你肯发慈悲送我一程，足感至爱。」伯钦与母妻无奈，急做了些粗面烧饼干粮，叫伯钦远送。三藏欢喜收纳。太保领了母命，又唤两三个家僮，各带捕猎的器械，同上大路。看不尽那山中野景，岭上风光。
Boqin told Sanzang all three accounts of the dream, and Sanzang was pleased as well. They soon served him a vegetarian meal and offered a tael of silver in thanks. Sanzang would not accept a penny. The whole household bowed and earnestly begged him again, but in the end he took nothing. He only said, “If you would kindly see me some way along the road, that would be kindness enough to move me deeply.” Boqin, his mother and his wife could do no more. They quickly made some baked flatbreads of coarse flour for his journey, and his mother told Boqin to escort him a good distance. Sanzang gladly accepted the food. At his mother’s command the Protector called two or three houseboys, each with hunting gear, and they all went out onto the main road. There was no end to the wild scenery of the mountains and the views along the ridges.
行經半日，只見對面處有一座大山，真個是高接青霄，崔巍險峻。三藏不一時到了邊前。那太保登此山如行平地，正走到半山之中，伯欽回身，立於路下道：「長老，請自前進，我卻告回。」三藏聞言，滾鞍下馬道：「千萬敢勞太保再送一程。」伯欽道：「長老不知。此山喚做兩界山，東半邊屬我大唐所管，西半邊乃是韃靼的地界。那廂狼虎不伏我降，我卻也不能過界，你自去罷。」三藏心驚，掄開手，牽衣執袂，滴淚難分。正在那叮嚀拜別之際，只聽得山腳下叫喊如雷道：「我師父來也！我師父來也！」諕得個三藏痴呆，伯欽打掙。
行经半日，只见对面处有一座大山，真个是高接青霄，崔巍险峻。三藏不一时到了边前。那太保登此山如行平地，正走到半山之中，伯钦回身，立于路下道：「长老，请自前进，我却告回。」三藏闻言，滚鞍下马道：「千万敢劳太保再送一程。」伯钦道：「长老不知。此山唤做两界山，东半边属我大唐所管，西半边乃是鞑靼的地界。那厢狼虎不伏我降，我却也不能过界，你自去罢。」三藏心惊，抡开手，牵衣执袂，滴泪难分。正在那叮咛拜别之际，只听得山脚下叫喊如雷道：「我师父来也！我师父来也！」諕得个三藏痴呆，伯钦打挣。
After half a day’s travel they saw a great mountain before them, rising into the blue heavens, lofty, steep and perilous. Sanzang soon reached its foot. The Protector climbed it as though walking on level ground. They were just halfway up when Boqin turned, stood below the path and said, “Elder, please go on alone. I must take my leave and return.” At these words Sanzang hastily slipped from his saddle. “I earnestly beg you, Protector, to trouble yourself to take me a little farther.” Boqin said, “You do not know, Elder. This mountain is called Two Realms Mountain. Its eastern half is governed by our Great Tang; its western half belongs to the Tatar lands. The wolves and tigers over there will not submit to me, and I cannot cross the boundary. You must go on by yourself.” Sanzang’s heart filled with fear. He reached out, caught Boqin’s clothes and clung to his sleeve, weeping and unable to part. Just as they were earnestly taking their leave, a voice thundered from the foot of the mountain: “My Master is here! My Master is here!” Sanzang was stunned with fright, and Boqin braced himself.
畢竟不知是甚人叫喊，且聽下回分解。
毕竟不知是甚人叫喊，且听下回分解。
But who was shouting? To learn what happened next, read the next chapter.