Now, when dawn came and the monastery monks could no longer find Sanzang and his disciples, they all said, “We never managed to keep him here, never took our leave, never even begged a favour. We’ve simply let a living Bodhisattva slip away!” As they spoke, several wealthy householders came from the southern suburb to invite them. The monks clapped their hands. “We failed to keep watch last night. They all rode away on clouds in the night!” Everyone bowed toward the sky in thanks. Once this story spread, all the officials and people in the city heard it. The wealthy households prepared the five sacrificial animals1, flowers and fruit, and went to the shrines to the living to make offerings in gratitude. We leave them there.

Meanwhile, the Tang Monk and his three companions lived on wind and slept beside water, travelling peacefully for more than half a month. One day they came upon a high mountain. The Tang Monk grew alarmed again. “Disciples, those mountains ahead are steep and rugged. Be sure to take care.” Pilgrim laughed. “We’re nearing the Buddha’s land now. There can’t possibly be any evil spirits here. Set your heart at ease, Master.” The Tang Monk said, “Although the Buddha’s land is not far away, disciple, those monastery monks said the other day that it was two thousand li to the capital of India. Who knows how much farther we still have to go?” Pilgrim said, “Master, you really have forgotten the Heart Sutra taught by the Chan Master of Crow’s Nest again.” Sanzang replied, “The Heart Sutra is as much a part of me as my robe and begging bowl. Since the Chan Master of Crow’s Nest taught it to me, has a day gone by when I haven’t recited it? Have I forgotten it for a moment? I can even recite it backwards. How could I forget it?” “Master can recite it,” said Pilgrim, “but never asked that master to explain it.” Sanzang said, “You monkey! Why do you say I don’t understand it? Do you?” “I understand it. I understand it,” said Pilgrim. After that neither Sanzang nor Pilgrim said another word. Beside them Bajie nearly fell over laughing, and Sha Monk was delighted. “What a mouth!” said Bajie. “You started out as a demon just like me. You’ve never been some meditation monk listening to lectures on the scriptures, nor some monk at Buddhist services hearing sermons on the Dharma. You put on airs and bluff, talking about ‘knowing’ and ‘understanding’. Why have you gone quiet, then? We’re listening. Please explain!” Sha Monk said, “Second Brother, do you believe him too? Senior Brother is spinning a long tale to coax Master along the road. He knows how to swing a cudgel, that’s all. What does he know about expounding scriptures?” Sanzang said, “Wuneng, Wujing, stop talking nonsense. Wukong’s understanding is beyond words and written characters2. That is true understanding.”