A Question for Buddha

Journey to the West 63 A Question for Buddha

The Tang Monk jumped to his feet as the villagers hid behind trees. Wukong, Wujing, and Bajie pulled out their weapons. Alarge shell rose from the water. “ It’s a giant turtle! " said Bajie. The turtle bowed its head toward Wukong. “ That demon had taken over myhouse and river. Thank you for getting rid ofhim. ” The turtle then looked at the villagers. “ You don’t need to make a boat. I can take the travelers across the river. ”

“ That’s wonderful! ” said the Tang Monk. “ I’m from the Tang Empire, and—” “ I know who you are, ” interrupted the turtle. “ You’re traveling to the Western Paradise to get scriptures from Buddha. I knew you would cross my river eventually. Climb onto my shell. ”

Wukong eyed the turtle suspiciously. “ How do we know we can trust you? Demons all along the way are waiting for my master to pass by. ” “ They all want to eat him, ” added Bajie. “ I promise I won’t hurt the Tang Monk, ” said the turtle. “ I want to help him reach the Western Paradise. ”

After a little more hesitation, the travelers stepped onto the turtle’s shell. The turtle began to paddle. The villagers came out from behind the trees and waved. “ Good-bye! ” called a woman. “ Please visit us on your way home! ” shouted someone else. “ We will, I promise! ” called the monk.

Soon the turtle was far from shore. Bajie fell asleep. The turtle glanced back at the Tang Monk. “ Excuse me, but can you do me a favor?” “ Of course, ” said the monk. “ What do you need me to do?” “ I have been a good Buddhist for over a thousand years, ” said the turtle. “ But sadly I’m still just a turtle. Can you ask Buddha when I will be reborn as a human?”