The Thunderclap Monastery

Journey to the West 105 The Thunderclap Monastery

The travelers walked up the Spirit Mountain. The mountain’s slopes were covered in pine trees, bamboo, and flowers. Birds sang, and small animals ran by. The Tang Monk stopped walking and turned to his companions. “ I want to thank you all, ” said the monk. “ You have helped me to reach the Western Paradise. You saved me from demons countless times. I couldn’t have gotten here without you. ”

Wukong laughed. “ You don’t need to thank us, Master. We all helped each other. You helped me to be good. Now I will earn forgiveness for the evil things I did long ago. ” Wujing nodded. “ And I will earn forgiveness for breaking that glass in Heaven. ”

“ I will earn forgiveness for causing trouble in Heaven too, ” added Bajie. He waved a hand toward the horse. “ And remember—that horse is really a dragon. He accidentally set fire to his father’s palace. He too will earn forgiveness. ” Wukong smiled. “ See, Master? We are all thankful. ” They continued up the mountain and were soon surrounded by clouds. Bright light shone from the Thunderclap Monastery above.

The travelers arrived at an enormous gate, where two guards stood. Beyond the gate the Thunderclap Monastery’s towers and arches sparkled with bright light. “ Greetings, ” said the monk to the guards. “ I am the Tang Monk, and I’m here to receive the True Scriptures from Buddha. ” “ You may enter, ” said one of the guards.

The Tang Monk and his companions reached a large hall. Buddha sat at the opposite end of the hall. Other buddhas and bodhisattvas stood behind him. Guanyin was standing next to Buddha and smiling. The travelers bowed. “ Congratulations, ” said Buddha. “ You have all traveled far and faced many challenges. You have done well. ”