第012回 A Grand Mass Is Held and Xuanzang Is Chosen to Fetch the Scriptures

第012回Chapter 12

卻說鬼使同劉全夫妻二人出了陰司，那陰風遶遶，徑到了長安大國，將劉全的魂靈推入金亭館裡，將翠蓮的靈魂帶進皇宮內院。Now to tell of the ghost-messenger and Liu Quan and his wife leaving the Underworld together, that yin-wind swirling about, they went straight to the great state of Chang'an, pushing Liu Quan's soul into the Golden Pavilion Lodge, and bringing Cuilian's soul into the inner palace.只見那玉英宮主正在花陰下，徐步綠苔而行，被鬼使撲個滿懷，推倒在地，活捉了他魂，卻將翠蓮的魂靈推入玉英身內。Just then Princess Yuying was walking slowly on the green moss beneath the flower shade, when the ghost-messenger rushed straight into her, knocking her to the ground and capturing her soul alive, then pushing Cuilian's soul into Yuying's body.鬼使回轉陰司不題。The ghost-messenger returned to the Underworld — no more of that for now.

却说鬼使同刘全夫妻二人出了阴司，那阴风绕绕，径到了长安大国，将刘全的魂灵推入金亭馆里，将翠莲的灵魂带进皇宫内院。只见那玉英宫主正在花阴下，徐步绿苔而行，被鬼使扑个满怀，推倒在地，活捉了他魂，却将翠莲的魂灵推入玉英身内。鬼使回转阴司不题。

卻說宮院中的大小侍婢見玉英跌死，急走金鑾殿，報與三宮皇后道：「宮主娘娘跌死也。」皇后大驚，隨報太宗。Now to tell of how the palace maids, seeing Yuying fall dead, rushed to the Golden Throne Hall to report to the Empress of the Three Palaces, saying: "The Princess has fallen dead!" The Empress was greatly alarmed and at once reported it to Taizong.太宗聞言，點頭嘆曰：「此事信有之也。Hearing this, Taizong nodded and sighed, saying: "This matter is indeed to be believed.朕曾問十代閻君：『老幼安乎？』他道：『俱安，但恐御妹壽促。』果中其言。」合宮人都來悲切，盡到花陰下看時，只見那宮主微微有氣。I once asked the Ten Kings of the Underworld: 'Are young and old at peace?' They said: 'All are at peace, but I fear the Imperial Sister's life is about to be cut short.' Now their words have proven true." The whole palace wept in grief, and all went beneath the flower shade to look, and saw that the Princess still had a faint breath.唐王道：「莫哭！Tang Wang said: "Do not weep!莫哭！Do not weep!休驚了他。」遂上前將御手扶起頭來，叫道：「御妹甦醒甦醒。」那宮主忽的翻身，叫：「丈夫慢行，等我一等。」太宗道：「御妹，是我等在此。」宮主擡頭睜眼觀看道：「你是誰人，敢來扯我？」太宗道：「是你皇兄、皇嫂。」宮主道：「我那裡得個甚麼皇兄、皇嫂？Do not startle her." Then he stepped forward and with his own hand raised her head, calling: "Imperial Sister, wake up, wake up." The Princess suddenly turned over and cried: "Husband, walk slower, wait for me a moment." Taizong said: "Imperial Sister, it is I, waiting here." The Princess raised her head, opened her eyes and looked, saying: "Who are you, that you dare pull at me?" Taizong said: "It is your Imperial Brother and Imperial Sister-in-law." The Princess said: "Where would I have an Imperial Brother or Imperial Sister-in-law?我娘家姓李，我的乳名喚做李翠蓮，我丈夫姓劉名全，兩口兒都是均州人氏。My maiden family's surname is Li; my childhood name is Li Cuilian. My husband's surname is Liu, given name Quan; both of us are natives of Junzhou.因為我三個月前拔金釵在門首齋僧，我丈夫怪我擅出內門，不遵婦道，罵了我幾句，是我氣塞胸堂，將白綾帶懸梁縊死，撇下一雙兒女，晝夜悲啼。Because three months ago I pulled out a gold hairpin to give alms to a monk at our gate, my husband blamed me for going out through the inner gate on my own, for not observing a wife's proper conduct, and scolded me with a few harsh words. I was so choked with anger that I hanged myself from the beam with a white silk sash, leaving behind a son and daughter who wept day and night.今因我丈夫被唐王欽差，赴陰司進瓜果，閻王憐憫，放我夫妻回來。Now, because my husband was sent by imperial command of the Tang king to present melons and fruit in the Underworld, the King of Hell took pity and let the two of us return together.他在前走，因我來遲，趕不上他，我絆了一跌。He was walking ahead; because I fell behind, I could not catch up to him, and I stumbled and fell.你等無禮！How rude you all are!不知姓名，怎敢扯我？」太宗聞言，與眾宮人道：「想是御妹跌昏了，胡說哩。」傳旨教太醫院進湯藥，將玉英扶入宮中。Not even knowing my name, how dare you pull at me?" Hearing this, Taizong said to the palace attendants: "It must be that the Imperial Sister fell and was stunned, and is talking nonsense." He issued an order for the Imperial Physicians to bring in medicinal broth, and had Yuying helped back into the palace.

却说宫院中的大小侍婢见玉英跌死，急走金銮殿，报与三宫皇后道：「宫主娘娘跌死也。」皇后大惊，随报太宗。太宗闻言，点头叹曰：「此事信有之也。朕曾问十代阎君：『老幼安乎？』他道：『俱安，但恐御妹寿促。』果中其言。」合宫人都来悲切，尽到花阴下看时，只见那宫主微微有气。唐王道：「莫哭！莫哭！休惊了他。」遂上前将御手扶起头来，叫道：「御妹甦醒甦醒。」那宫主忽的翻身，叫：「丈夫慢行，等我一等。」太宗道：「御妹，是我等在此。」宫主抬头睁眼观看道：「你是谁人，敢来扯我？」太宗道：「是你皇兄、皇嫂。」宫主道：「我那里得个甚么皇兄、皇嫂？我娘家姓李，我的乳名唤做李翠莲，我丈夫姓刘名全，两口儿都是均州人氏。因为我三个月前拔金钗在门首斋僧，我丈夫怪我擅出内门，不遵妇道，骂了我几句，是我气塞胸堂，将白绫带悬梁缢死，撇下一双儿女，昼夜悲啼。今因我丈夫被唐王钦差，赴阴司进瓜果，阎王怜悯，放我夫妻回来。他在前走，因我来迟，赶不上他，我绊了一跌。你等无礼！不知姓名，怎敢扯我？」太宗闻言，与众宫人道：「想是御妹跌昏了，胡说哩。」传旨教太医院进汤药，将玉英扶入宫中。

唐王當殿，忽有當駕官奏道：「萬歲，今有進瓜果人劉全還魂，在朝門外等旨。」唐王大驚，急傳旨，將劉全召進，俯伏丹墀。As Tang Wang sat in the hall, suddenly an attending official memorialized: "Your Majesty, Liu Quan, the man who presented the melons and fruit, has returned to life, and is waiting outside the court gate for your decree." Tang Wang was greatly astonished and hastily issued the decree summoning Liu Quan in, who prostrated himself before the palace steps.太宗問道：「進瓜果之事何如？」劉全道：「臣頂瓜果，徑至鬼門關，引上森羅殿，見了那十代閻君，將瓜果奉上，備言我王慇懃致謝之意。Taizong asked: "How did the matter of presenting the melons and fruit go?" Liu Quan said: "Your servant carried the melons and fruit straight to the Ghost Gate Pass, was led up to the Senluo Hall, and met the Ten Kings of the Underworld. I offered up the melons and fruit and fully conveyed Your Majesty's earnest gratitude.閻君甚喜，多多拜上我王道：『真是個有信有德的太宗皇帝！』」唐王道：「你在陰司見些甚麼來？」劉全道：「臣不曾遠行，沒見甚的，只聞得閻王問臣鄉貫、姓名。The King of Hell was greatly pleased, and again and again sent his respects to Your Majesty, saying: 'Truly this is an Emperor Taizong of good faith and virtue!'" Tang Wang said: "What did you see while in the Underworld?" Liu Quan said: "Your servant did not travel far and saw nothing much; I only heard the King of Hell ask my native place and name.臣將棄家捨子，因妻縊死，願來進瓜之事，說了一遍。I told him fully of how I had abandoned my home and children, because my wife had hanged herself, and how I had come willingly to present the melons.他急差鬼使，引過我妻，就在森羅殿下相會。He at once dispatched a ghost-messenger to bring my wife over, and we met right there beneath the Senluo Hall.一壁廂又檢看死生文簿，說我夫妻都有登仙之壽，便差鬼使送回。At the same time he checked the register of life and death, and said that both my wife and I had a lifespan destined for immortal ascension, and so he sent a ghost-messenger to escort us back.臣在前走，我妻後行，幸得還魂。Your servant walked ahead, my wife followed behind, and I was fortunate enough to be restored to life.但不知妻投何所。」唐王驚問道：「那閻王可曾說你妻甚麼？」劉全道：「閻王不曾說甚麼，只聽得鬼使說：『李翠蓮歸陰日久，屍首無存。』閻王道：『唐御妹李玉英今該促死，教翠蓮即借玉英屍還魂去罷。』臣不知『唐御妹』是甚地方，家居何處，我還未曾得去找尋哩。」But I do not know into what place my wife was reborn." Tang Wang asked in alarm: "Did the King of Hell say anything about your wife?" Liu Quan said: "The King of Hell said nothing in particular, only I heard the ghost-messenger say: 'Li Cuilian has been dead too long, her corpse no longer exists.' The King of Hell said: 'The Tang Emperor's Imperial Sister Li Yuying is fated to die an untimely death now — let Cuilian borrow Yuying's corpse to return to life.' Your servant does not know where this 'Tang Imperial Sister' might be, nor where her home is, and I have not yet had the chance to go and search for her."

唐王当殿，忽有当驾官奏道：「万岁，今有进瓜果人刘全还魂，在朝门外等旨。」唐王大惊，急传旨，将刘全召进，俯伏丹墀。太宗问道：「进瓜果之事何如？」刘全道：「臣顶瓜果，径至鬼门关，引上森罗殿，见了那十代阎君，将瓜果奉上，备言我王慇懃致谢之意。阎君甚喜，多多拜上我王道：『真是个有信有德的太宗皇帝！』」唐王道：「你在阴司见些甚么来？」刘全道：「臣不曾远行，没见甚的，只闻得阎王问臣乡贯、姓名。臣将弃家舍子，因妻缢死，愿来进瓜之事，说了一遍。他急差鬼使，引过我妻，就在森罗殿下相会。一壁厢又检看死生文簿，说我夫妻都有登仙之寿，便差鬼使送回。臣在前走，我妻后行，幸得还魂。但不知妻投何所。」唐王惊问道：「那阎王可曾说你妻甚么？」刘全道：「阎王不曾说甚么，只听得鬼使说：『李翠莲归阴日久，尸首无存。』阎王道：『唐御妹李玉英今该促死，教翠莲即借玉英尸还魂去罢。』臣不知『唐御妹』是甚地方，家居何处，我还未曾得去找寻哩。」

唐王聞奏，滿心歡喜，當對多官道：「朕別閻君，曾問宮中之事。Hearing this report, Tang Wang was filled with joy, and said to all the assembled officials: "When I took leave of the King of Hell, I once asked about matters within the palace.他言：『老幼俱安，但恐御妹壽促。』卻才御妹玉英花陰下跌死，朕急扶看，須臾甦醒，口叫：『丈夫慢行，等我一等。』朕只道是他跌昏了胡言。He said: 'Young and old are all at peace, but I fear the Imperial Sister's life is about to be cut short.' And just now Imperial Sister Yuying fell dead beneath the flower shade; I hastened to support her, and in a moment she revived, calling out: 'Husband, walk slower, wait for me a moment.' I thought it was merely that she had fallen and was talking deliriously.又問他詳細，他說的話，與劉全一般。」魏徵奏道：「御妹偶爾壽促，少甦醒即說此言，此是劉全妻借屍還魂之事。I questioned her further in detail, and what she said matches exactly what Liu Quan has said." Wei Zheng memorialized: "The Imperial Sister's life happened to be cut short; as soon as she revived she spoke these words — this is a case of Liu Quan's wife borrowing a corpse to return to life.此事也有，可請宮主出來，看他有甚話說。」唐王道：「朕才命太醫院去進藥，不知何如。」便教妃嬪入宮去請。Such things do indeed happen. Let the Princess be brought out, to see what she has to say." Tang Wang said: "I have just now ordered the Imperial Physicians to administer medicine; I do not know how things stand." So he sent the imperial consorts into the palace to fetch her.那宮主在裡面亂嚷道：「我吃甚麼藥？Inside, the Princess was clamoring loudly: "What medicine am I to drink?這裡那是我家？How is this place my home?我家是清涼瓦屋，不像這個害黃病的房子，花狸狐哨的門扇，放我出去！My home is a cool tiled house, not like this fever-yellow sickroom, with these gaudy, flower-patterned doors. Let me out!放我出去！」Let me out!"

唐王闻奏，满心欢喜，当对多官道：「朕别阎君，曾问宫中之事。他言：『老幼俱安，但恐御妹寿促。』却才御妹玉英花阴下跌死，朕急扶看，须臾甦醒，口叫：『丈夫慢行，等我一等。』朕只道是他跌昏了胡言。又问他详细，他说的话，与刘全一般。」魏征奏道：「御妹偶尔寿促，少甦醒即说此言，此是刘全妻借尸还魂之事。此事也有，可请宫主出来，看他有甚话说。」唐王道：「朕才命太医院去进药，不知何如。」便教妃嫔入宫去请。那宫主在里面乱嚷道：「我吃甚么药？这里那是我家？我家是清凉瓦屋，不像这个害黄病的房子，花狸狐哨的门扇，放我出去！放我出去！」

正嚷處，只見四五個女官、兩三個太監扶著他，直至殿上。Just as she was clamoring, four or five palace ladies-in-waiting and two or three eunuchs came supporting her, all the way up to the hall.唐王道：「你可認得你丈夫麼？」玉英道：「說那裡話，我兩個從小兒的結髮夫妻，與他生男育女，怎的不認得？」唐王叫內官攙他下去。Tang Wang said: "Do you recognize your husband?" Yuying said: "What kind of talk is that? We two have been wedded since childhood, husband and wife, and have raised sons and daughters together — how could I not recognize him?" Tang Wang told the palace attendants to help her down.那宮主下了寶殿，直至白玉階前，見了劉全，一把扯住道：「丈夫，你往那裡去，就不等我一等？The Princess came down from the throne hall, went straight to before the white jade steps, and upon seeing Liu Quan, grabbed hold of him at once, saying: "Husband, where were you going, that you didn't even wait for me a moment?我跌了一跌，被那些沒道理的人圍住我嚷，這是怎的說？」那劉全聽他說的話是妻之言，觀其人非妻之面，不敢相認。I stumbled and fell, and was surrounded and shouted at by those unreasonable people — what is the meaning of this?" Liu Quan, hearing that her words were his wife's words, but seeing that her face was not his wife's face, dared not acknowledge her.唐王道：「這正是山崩地裂有人見，捉生替死卻難逢。」好一個有道的君王，即將御妹的妝奩、衣物、首飾，盡賞賜了劉全，就如陪嫁一般。Tang Wang said: "This is truly a case where mountains crumble and earth splits and someone witnesses it, but to capture a life to substitute for death is a thing hard to encounter." Truly a virtuous and righteous sovereign — he at once bestowed upon Liu Quan all of the Princess's dowry, clothing, and jewelry, just as if it were a dowry given in marriage.又賜與他永免差徭的御旨，著他帶領御妹回去。He also granted him an imperial decree permanently exempting him from labor conscription, and had him lead the Imperial Sister back home.他夫妻兩個便在階前謝了恩，歡歡喜喜還鄉。The husband and wife thanked the emperor for his grace before the palace steps, and joyfully returned to their home village.有詩為證：There is a poem as proof:

正嚷处，只见四五个女官、两三个太监扶著他，直至殿上。唐王道：「你可认得你丈夫么？」玉英道：「说那里话，我两个从小儿的结发夫妻，与他生男育女，怎的不认得？」唐王叫内官搀他下去。那宫主下了宝殿，直至白玉阶前，见了刘全，一把扯住道：「丈夫，你往那里去，就不等我一等？我跌了一跌，被那些没道理的人围住我嚷，这是怎的说？」那刘全听他说的话是妻之言，观其人非妻之面，不敢相认。唐王道：「这正是山崩地裂有人见，捉生替死却难逢。」好一个有道的君王，即将御妹的妆奁、衣物、首饰，尽赏赐了刘全，就如陪嫁一般。又赐与他永免差徭的御旨，著他带领御妹回去。他夫妻两个便在阶前谢了恩，欢欢喜喜还乡。有诗为证：

他兩個辭了君王，徑來均州城裡，見舊家業、兒女俱好，兩口兒宣揚善果不題。The two of them took leave of the sovereign and went straight to the city of Junzhou, where they found their old household and their son and daughter all well; the couple spread word of this tale of good karma — no more of that for now.

他两个辞了君王，径来均州城里，见旧家业、儿女俱好，两口儿宣扬善果不题。

卻說那尉遲恭將金銀一庫，上河南開封府訪看，相良原來賣水為活，同妻張氏在門首販賣烏盆瓦器營生，但賺得些錢兒，只以盤纏為足，其多少齋僧布施，買金銀紙錠，記庫焚燒，故有此善果臻身。Now to tell of how Weichi Gong, carrying a whole storehouse of gold and silver, went to Kaifeng Prefecture in Henan to seek out Xiang Liang. Xiang Liang, it turned out, made his living selling water, and together with his wife, Zhang-shi, sold clay pots and earthenware at their gate for a livelihood; whatever little money they earned, they considered enough only for bare subsistence, and however much extra they had, they gave to feed monks and give alms, and bought paper gold and silver ingots, recorded them in an account, and burned them — hence they had accumulated this store of good karma.陽世間是一條好善的窮漢，那世裡卻是個積玉堆金的長者。In the world of the living he was a poor man devoted to good deeds, but in the other world he was an elder who had piled up gold and heaped up jade.尉遲恭將金銀送上他門，諕得那相公、相婆魂飛魄散。When Weichi Gong brought the gold and silver to his door, it frightened the old man and his wife out of their wits.又兼有本府官員，茅舍外車馬駢集。Moreover, there were officials of the prefecture as well, and outside the thatched cottage carriages and horses gathered in throngs.那老兩口子如痴如啞，跪在地下，只是磕頭禮拜。The old couple, as if struck dumb and witless, knelt on the ground, only kowtowing and bowing in worship.尉遲恭道：「老人家請起。Weichi Gong said: "Old sir, please rise.我雖是個欽差官，卻齎著我王的金銀送來還你。」他戰兢兢的答道：「小的沒有甚麼金銀放債，如何敢受這不明之財？」尉遲恭道：「我也訪得你是個窮漢，只是你齋僧布施，儘其所用，就買辦金銀紙錠，燒記陰司，陰司裡有你積下的錢鈔。Though I am an imperially commissioned official, I bring gold and silver on behalf of our Sovereign to repay you." Trembling, the old man answered: "I have no gold or silver out on loan to anyone — how would I dare accept this money of unclear origin?" Weichi Gong said: "I too have inquired and found that you are a poor man; it is only that whatever you have left over from feeding monks and giving alms, after using what you needed, you spent buying paper gold and silver ingots, which you burned as a record in the Underworld — and in the Underworld there is money accumulated in your name.是我太宗皇帝死去三日，還魂復生，曾在那陰司裡借了你一庫金銀，今此照數送還與你。It is that our Emperor Taizong died and after three days returned to life, and while in the Underworld he borrowed a storehouse of gold and silver from you; now, according to the exact amount, it is being sent back to you.你可一一收下，等我好去回旨。」那相良兩口兒只是朝天禮拜，那裡敢受。Please accept it all, item by item, so that I may go back and report to the throne." But the couple, Xiang Liang and his wife, only bowed in worship toward Heaven, not daring to accept it.道：「小的若受了這些金銀，就死得快了。They said: "If we, lowly ones, were to accept this gold and silver, we would die all the sooner.雖然是燒紙記庫，此乃冥冥之事；Although it is true that we burned paper to record it in the account, that is a matter of the unseen world;況萬歲爺爺那世裡借了金銀，有何憑據？moreover, as for His Majesty the Emperor borrowing gold and silver in that other world, what proof is there of it?我決不敢受。」尉遲恭道：「陛下說，借你的東西，有崔判官作保可證。We absolutely dare not accept it." Weichi Gong said: "His Majesty says that as proof for what he borrowed from you, Judge Cui stands as guarantor.你收下罷。」相良道：「就死也是不敢受的。」Please accept it." Xiang Liang said: "Even if it means death, I dare not accept it."

却说那尉迟恭将金银一库，上河南开封府访看，相良原来卖水为活，同妻张氏在门首贩卖乌盆瓦器营生，但赚得些钱儿，只以盘缠为足，其多少斋僧布施，买金银纸锭，记库焚烧，故有此善果臻身。阳世间是一条好善的穷汉，那世里却是个积玉堆金的长者。尉迟恭将金银送上他门，諕得那相公、相婆魂飞魄散。又兼有本府官员，茅舍外车马骈集。那老两口子如痴如哑，跪在地下，只是磕头礼拜。尉迟恭道：「老人家请起。我虽是个钦差官，却赍著我王的金银送来还你。」他战兢兢的答道：「小的没有甚么金银放债，如何敢受这不明之财？」尉迟恭道：「我也访得你是个穷汉，只是你斋僧布施，尽其所用，就买办金银纸锭，烧记阴司，阴司里有你积下的钱钞。是我太宗皇帝死去三日，还魂复生，曾在那阴司里借了你一库金银，今此照数送还与你。你可一一收下，等我好去回旨。」那相良两口儿只是朝天礼拜，那里敢受。道：「小的若受了这些金银，就死得快了。虽然是烧纸记库，此乃冥冥之事；况万岁爷爷那世里借了金银，有何凭据？我决不敢受。」尉迟恭道：「陛下说，借你的东西，有崔判官作保可证。你收下罢。」相良道：「就死也是不敢受的。」

尉遲恭見他苦苦推辭，只得具本差人啟奏。Seeing him so insistently declining, Weichi Gong had no choice but to draw up a memorial and send a man to report it to the throne.太宗見了本，知相良不受金銀，道：「此誠為善良長者。」即傳旨教胡敬德將金銀與他修理寺院，起蓋生祠，請僧作善，就當還他一般。When Taizong saw the memorial and learned that Xiang Liang would not accept the gold and silver, he said: "This is truly a good and virtuous elder." He at once issued a decree ordering Hu Jingde (Weichi Gong) to use the gold and silver to repair temples for him, to build a shrine in his honor while he yet lived, and to invite monks to perform good works — this to serve in place of repaying him directly.旨意到日，敬德望闕謝恩宣旨，眾皆知之。On the day the decree arrived, Jingde bowed toward the palace in thanks and proclaimed the decree, and everyone came to know of it.遂將金銀買到城裡軍民無礙的地基一段，周圍有五十畝寬闊，在上興工，起蓋寺院，名「敕建相國寺」，左有相公、相婆的生祠，鐫碑刻石，上寫著「尉遲恭監造」，即今「大相國寺」是也。So with the gold and silver he bought a plot of unclaimed public land within the city, fifty mu in area all around, and on it began construction, building a temple named "The Imperially Founded Xiangguo Temple," with, to its left, a shrine built in honor of the old man and his wife while still living, with an inscribed stone tablet on which was written "Overseen by Weichi Gong" — this is the very same "Great Xiangguo Temple" of today.

尉迟恭见他苦苦推辞，只得具本差人启奏。太宗见了本，知相良不受金银，道：「此诚为善良长者。」即传旨教胡敬德将金银与他修理寺院，起盖生祠，请僧作善，就当还他一般。旨意到日，敬德望阙谢恩宣旨，众皆知之。遂将金银买到城里军民无碍的地基一段，周围有五十亩宽阔，在上兴工，起盖寺院，名「敕建相国寺」，左有相公、相婆的生祠，镌碑刻石，上写著「尉迟恭监造」，即今「大相国寺」是也。

工完回奏，太宗甚喜。When the work was finished, it was reported to the throne, and Taizong was greatly pleased.卻又聚集多官，出榜招僧，修建水陸大會，超度冥府孤魂。Then he gathered many officials together, and posted notices seeking monks, to hold a great Land and Water Mass, to deliver the orphaned souls of the Underworld from suffering.榜行天下，著各處官員推選有道的高僧，上長安做會。The notice was circulated throughout the realm, instructing officials everywhere to select monks of great virtue and send them up to Chang'an to hold the ceremony.那消個月之期，天下多僧俱到。In less than a month's time, monks from all under Heaven had all arrived.唐王傳旨，著太史丞傅奕選舉高僧，修建佛事。Tang Wang issued a decree ordering the Grand Historian Fu Yi to select eminent monks and arrange the Buddhist rites.傅奕聞旨，即上疏止浮圖，以言無佛。Upon hearing the decree, Fu Yi at once submitted a memorial opposing Buddhism, arguing that there was no such thing as Buddha.表曰：The memorial read:

工完回奏，太宗甚喜。却又聚集多官，出榜招僧，修建水陆大会，超度冥府孤魂。榜行天下，著各处官员推选有道的高僧，上长安做会。那消个月之期，天下多僧俱到。唐王传旨，著太史丞傅奕选举高僧，修建佛事。傅奕闻旨，即上疏止浮图，以言无佛。表曰：

太宗聞言，遂將此表擲付群臣議之。Hearing this, Taizong took the memorial and threw it to the assembled ministers to discuss.時有宰相蕭瑀，出班俯顖奏曰：「佛法興自屢朝，弘善遏惡，冥助國家，理無廢棄。At that time the Chancellor Xiao Yu came forward, bowed his head, and memorialized: "The Buddhist Dharma has flourished through successive dynasties, promoting good and suppressing evil, secretly aiding the state in the unseen world — by reason it ought not to be discarded.佛，聖人也。The Buddha is a sage.非聖者無法，請寘嚴刑。」傅奕與蕭瑀論辨，言：「禮本於事親事君，而佛背親出家，以匹夫抗天子，以繼禮悖所親。To reject a sage is to be without law; I ask that severe punishment be applied to him." Fu Yi and Xiao Yu debated the matter, Fu Yi saying: "Ritual propriety is rooted in serving one's parents and serving one's sovereign, yet the Buddha turns his back on his parents to leave home, an ordinary commoner defying the Son of Heaven, forsaking ritual propriety in betrayal of those he should hold dear.蕭瑀不生於空桑，乃遵無父之教，正所謂非孝者無親。」蕭瑀但合掌曰：「地獄之設，正為是人。」太宗召太僕卿張道源、中書令張士衡，問佛事營福，其應何如。Xiao Yu was not born from a hollow mulberry tree, yet he follows a teaching that knows no father — this is exactly what is meant by 'one who rejects filial piety has no kin.'" Xiao Yu only pressed his palms together and said: "Hell was established precisely for a man such as this." Taizong summoned the Grand Master of the Imperial Stud Zhang Daoyuan and the Secretariat Director Zhang Shiheng, and asked them what they thought of performing Buddhist works to gain blessings.二臣對曰：「佛在清淨仁恕，果正佛空。The two ministers replied: "The Buddha resides in purity and benevolent forgiveness, his fruit is true and his nature empty.周武帝以三教分次；Emperor Wu of Zhou ranked the Three Teachings in order;大慧禪師有贊幽遠，歷眾供養而無不顯；the Great Wisdom Chan Master left praises reaching into the remote and profound, and through the ages his offerings have all been manifest;五祖投胎，達摩現像。the Fifth Patriarch was reincarnated, and Bodhidharma manifested his image.自古以來，皆云三教至尊而不可毀，不可廢。From ancient times to now, all have said that the Three Teachings are of the utmost honor and cannot be destroyed, cannot be abolished.伏乞陛下聖鑒明裁。」太宗甚喜道：「卿之言合理。We humbly beg Your Majesty's sagely judgment and clear decision." Taizong, greatly pleased, said: "Your words accord with reason.再有所陳者，罪之。」遂著魏徵與蕭瑀、張道源邀請諸佛，選舉一名有大德行者作壇主，設建道場。Should anyone speak further against this, he shall be punished." He then had Wei Zheng, together with Xiao Yu and Zhang Daoyuan, invite various eminent monks and select one man of great virtuous conduct to serve as altar master, to set up and establish the place of the Dharma assembly.眾皆頓首謝恩而退。All the officials bowed their heads in thanks and withdrew.自此時出了法律：但有毀僧謗佛者，斷其臂。From this time on a law was issued: whoever slandered monks or reviled the Buddha would have his arm cut off.

太宗闻言，遂将此表掷付群臣议之。时有宰相萧瑀，出班俯顖奏曰：「佛法兴自屡朝，弘善遏恶，冥助国家，理无废弃。佛，圣人也。非圣者无法，请寘严刑。」傅奕与萧瑀论辨，言：「礼本于事亲事君，而佛背亲出家，以匹夫抗天子，以继礼悖所亲。萧瑀不生于空桑，乃遵无父之教，正所谓非孝者无亲。」萧瑀但合掌曰：「地狱之设，正为是人。」太宗召太仆卿张道源、中书令张士衡，问佛事营福，其应何如。二臣对曰：「佛在清净仁恕，果正佛空。周武帝以三教分次；大慧禅师有赞幽远，历众供养而无不显；五祖投胎，达摩现像。自古以来，皆云三教至尊而不可毁，不可废。伏乞陛下圣鉴明裁。」太宗甚喜道：「卿之言合理。再有所陈者，罪之。」遂著魏征与萧瑀、张道源邀请诸佛，选举一名有大德行者作坛主，设建道场。众皆顿首谢恩而退。自此时出了法律：但有毁僧谤佛者，断其臂。

次日三位朝臣，聚眾僧，在那山川壇裡，逐一從頭查選，內中選得一名有德行的高僧。The next day the three court officials gathered the assembled monks at the Mountain and River Altar, examining and selecting them one by one from the start, and among them selected one eminent monk of virtuous conduct.你道他是誰人？Do you know who he was?

次日三位朝臣，聚众僧，在那山川坛里，逐一从头查选，内中选得一名有德行的高僧。你道他是谁人？

當日對眾舉出玄奘法師。That day, before the assembly, they put forward Master Xuanzang.這個人自幼為僧，出娘胎，就持齋受戒。This man had been a monk from infancy; from the moment he left his mother's womb he kept a vegetarian diet and observed the precepts.他外公見是當朝一路總管殷開山。His maternal grandfather was none other than Yin Kaishan, the Area Commander-in-chief of the reigning dynasty.他父親陳光蕊中狀元，官拜文淵殿大學士。His father, Chen Guangrui, had placed first in the imperial examinations, and held the office of Grand Scholar of the Wenyuan Hall.一心不愛榮華，只喜修持寂滅。He cared nothing at all for glory and splendor, and delighted only in cultivating the practice of nirvana.查得他根源又好，德行又高；It was found that his origins were excellent, and his virtuous conduct was also lofty;千經萬典，無所不通；of the thousand scriptures and ten thousand classics, there was none he did not master thoroughly;佛號仙音，無般不會。of Buddhist chants and immortal music, there was nothing he could not perform.

当日对众举出玄奘法师。这个人自幼为僧，出娘胎，就持斋受戒。他外公见是当朝一路总管殷开山。他父亲陈光蕊中状元，官拜文渊殿大学士。一心不爱荣华，只喜修持寂灭。查得他根源又好，德行又高；千经万典，无所不通；佛号仙音，无般不会。

當時三位引至御前，揚塵舞蹈。At that time the three officials led him before the emperor, where he raised dust with his prostrations and danced in reverence.拜罷奏曰：「臣瑀等蒙聖旨，選得高僧一名陳玄奘。」太宗聞其名，沉思良久道：「可是學士陳光蕊之兒玄奘否？」江流兒叩頭曰：「臣正是。」太宗喜道：「果然舉之不錯，誠為有德行有禪心的和尚。Having finished bowing, they memorialized: "Your servant Xiao Yu and the others, in obedience to the sacred decree, have selected an eminent monk named Chen Xuanzang." Hearing the name, Taizong pondered deeply for a long while and said: "Could this be the son of the Grand Scholar Chen Guangrui, Xuanzang?" Jiangliu'er kowtowed and said: "Your servant is indeed he." Taizong said with delight: "Truly the selection was not mistaken — this is indeed a monk of virtuous conduct and a heart set upon meditation.朕賜你左僧綱，右僧綱，天下大闡都僧綱之職。」玄奘頓首謝恩，受了大闡官爵。I bestow upon you the office of Left Sangha Overseer, Right Sangha Overseer, and Grand Sangha Overseer of All under Heaven." Xuanzang kowtowed in thanks and received the great and eminent office.又賜五彩織金袈裟一件、毘盧帽一頂。He was also granted a robe of five-colored woven gold brocade, the kasaya, and a Vairocana hat.教他用心再拜明僧，排次闍黎班首，書辦旨意，前赴化生寺，擇定吉日良時，開演經法。He was told to devote himself earnestly to reverencing the eminent monks once more, to arrange the ranking order of the acharyas and chief monks, to draft the text of the decree, and to proceed to Huasheng Temple, where he was to select an auspicious day and a good hour to begin performing the scriptural rites.

当时三位引至御前，扬尘舞蹈。拜罢奏曰：「臣瑀等蒙圣旨，选得高僧一名陈玄奘。」太宗闻其名，沉思良久道：「可是学士陈光蕊之儿玄奘否？」江流儿叩头曰：「臣正是。」太宗喜道：「果然举之不错，诚为有德行有禅心的和尚。朕赐你左僧纲，右僧纲，天下大阐都僧纲之职。」玄奘顿首谢恩，受了大阐官爵。又赐五彩织金袈裟一件、毘卢帽一顶。教他用心再拜明僧，排次阇黎班首，书办旨意，前赴化生寺，择定吉日良时，开演经法。

玄奘再拜領旨而出，遂到化生寺裡，聚集多僧，打造禪榻，裝修功德，整理音樂。Xuanzang bowed again in thanks for the decree and withdrew, then went to Huasheng Temple, where he gathered the many monks, had meditation platforms built, arranged the works of merit, and put the music in order.選得大小明僧共計一千二百名，分派上中下三堂。He selected a total of twelve hundred eminent monks, both senior and junior, and assigned them to the upper, middle, and lower halls.諸所佛前，物件皆齊，頭頭有次。Before all the Buddha images everywhere, every item was made ready, each thing in its proper order.選到本年九月初三日黃道良辰，開啟做七七四十九日水陸大會。They selected the third day of the ninth month of that year, an auspicious day under a favorable star, to begin the Land and Water Mass, to run forty-nine days, that is seven times seven days.即具表申奏。A memorial was then drawn up and submitted to the throne.太宗及文武國戚皇親，俱至期赴會，拈香聽講。Taizong, together with the civil and military officials, the imperial relatives, and the nobility, all attended the assembly on the appointed day, to burn incense and listen to the preaching.有詩為證。There is a poem as proof.詩曰：The poem says:

玄奘再拜领旨而出，遂到化生寺里，聚集多僧，打造禅榻，装修功德，整理音乐。选得大小明僧共计一千二百名，分派上中下三堂。诸所佛前，物件皆齐，头头有次。选到本年九月初三日黄道良辰，开启做七七四十九日水陆大会。即具表申奏。太宗及文武国戚皇亲，俱至期赴会，拈香听讲。有诗为证。诗曰：

貞觀十三年，歲次己巳，九月甲戌，初三日，癸卯良辰，陳玄奘大闡法師聚集一千二百名高僧，都在長安城化生寺開演諸品妙經。In the thirteenth year of the Zhenguan reign, the year being jisi, in the ninth month, on the jiaxu day, the third day, at the auspicious hour of guimao, the Grand Sangha Master Chen Xuanzang gathered twelve hundred eminent monks, all at Huasheng Temple within the city of Chang'an, to expound the many wondrous scriptures.那皇帝早朝已畢，帥文武多官，乘鳳輦龍車，出離金鑾寶殿，徑上寺來拈香。That day, once the emperor had finished his morning audience, he led the many civil and military officials, riding in phoenix palanquins and dragon carriages, and set out from the Golden Throne Hall, going straight to the temple to burn incense.怎見那鑾駕？What was that imperial procession like?真個是：Truly it was thus:

贞观十三年，岁次己巳，九月甲戌，初三日，癸卯良辰，陈玄奘大阐法师聚集一千二百名高僧，都在长安城化生寺开演诸品妙经。那皇帝早朝已毕，帅文武多官，乘凤辇龙车，出离金銮宝殿，径上寺来拈香。怎见那銮驾？真个是：

唐王大駕早到寺前，吩咐住了音樂響器。The Tang king's grand procession soon arrived before the temple, and he ordered the music and instruments to be stilled.下了車輦，引著多官，拜佛拈香。He descended from his carriage, and leading the many officials, worshipped the Buddha and burned incense.三匝已畢，擡頭觀看，果然好座道場。When the three circuits were complete, he raised his head to look about, and indeed it was a fine place for the Dharma assembly.但見：Behold:

唐王大驾早到寺前，吩咐住了音乐响器。下了车辇，引著多官，拜佛拈香。三匝已毕，抬头观看，果然好座道场。但见：

太宗文武俱各拈香，拜了佛祖金身，參了羅漢。Taizong and the civil and military officials all burned incense, worshipped the golden body of the Buddha, and paid homage to the arhats.又見那大闡都綱陳玄奘法師引眾僧羅拜唐王。He also saw the Grand Sangha Overseer, Master Chen Xuanzang, lead the assembled monks in bowing all around to the Tang king.禮畢，分班各安禪位。The rites concluded, they divided into groups and each took their meditation seat.法師獻上濟孤榜文與太宗看。The Dharma Master presented to Taizong the proclamation for the deliverance of orphaned souls, for him to read.榜曰：The proclamation read:

太宗文武俱各拈香，拜了佛祖金身，参了罗汉。又见那大阐都纲陈玄奘法师引众僧罗拜唐王。礼毕，分班各安禅位。法师献上济孤榜文与太宗看。榜曰：

詩曰：The poem says:

诗曰：

太宗看了，滿心歡喜，對眾僧道：「汝等秉立丹衷，切休怠慢佛事。Having read it, Taizong was filled with joy, and said to the assembled monks: "You must hold firm your sincere hearts, and by no means be slack in the Buddhist rites.待後功成完備，各各福有所歸，朕當重賞，決不空勞。」那一千二百僧，一齊頓首稱謝。When later the work is completed in full, each of you shall receive the blessings due to him, and I shall reward you richly — your labor will certainly not go for nothing." The twelve hundred monks all together bowed their heads in thanks.當日三齋已畢，唐王駕回。That day, after the third round of the vegetarian feast was concluded, the Tang king's procession returned.待七日正會，復請拈香。They would wait until the seventh day, the main day of the assembly, to invite him again to offer incense.時天色將晚，各官俱退。By then the sky was growing dark, and all the officials withdrew.怎見得好晚？How do we know it was truly evening?你看那：Just look:

太宗看了，满心欢喜，对众僧道：「汝等秉立丹衷，切休怠慢佛事。待后功成完备，各各福有所归，朕当重赏，决不空劳。」那一千二百僧，一齐顿首称谢。当日三斋已毕，唐王驾回。待七日正会，复请拈香。时天色将晚，各官俱退。怎见得好晚？你看那：

一宿晚景題過。A night's scene thus described, let us pass over it.次早，法師又昇坐，聚眾誦經不題。The next morning, the Master again ascended his seat, gathered the assembly, and chanted sutras — of this we shall say no more.

一宿晚景题过。次早，法师又升坐，聚众诵经不题。

卻說南海普陀山觀世音菩薩，自領了如來佛旨，在長安城訪察取經的善人，日久未逢真實有德行者。Now speak of the Bodhisattva Guanyin of Mount Putuo in the South Sea, who, having received the Buddha Tathagata's decree, had been searching in the city of Chang'an for a virtuous man to fetch the scriptures, but for a long time had not met one of true virtue.忽聞得太宗宣揚善果，選舉高僧，開建大會。Suddenly she heard that Emperor Taizong was proclaiming good works, selecting eminent monks, and opening a great assembly.又見得法師壇主，乃是江流兒和尚，正是極樂中降來的佛子，又是他原引送投胎的長老。She also saw that the master presiding over the altar was none other than the monk Jiangliu'er, who was in truth the son of Buddha descended from the Ultimate Bliss, and moreover the very elder whom she herself had once escorted down to be reborn.菩薩十分歡喜，就將佛賜的寶貝捧上長街，與木叉貨賣。The Bodhisattva was greatly delighted, and taking up the treasures bestowed by the Buddha, went with Muzha onto the main street to sell them.你道他是何寶貝？Do you know what these treasures were?有一件錦襴異寶袈裟、九環錫杖。There was a brocade cassock set with rare gems, and a nine-ringed monk's staff.還有那金緊禁三個箍兒，密密藏收，以俟後用。There were also the three fillets — Golden, Tight, and Prohibitive — which she kept carefully hidden away, to be used later.只將袈裟、錫杖出賣。She intended only to sell the cassock and the staff.

却说南海普陀山观世音菩萨，自领了如来佛旨，在长安城访察取经的善人，日久未逢真实有德行者。忽闻得太宗宣扬善果，选举高僧，开建大会。又见得法师坛主，乃是江流儿和尚，正是极乐中降来的佛子，又是他原引送投胎的长老。菩萨十分欢喜，就将佛赐的宝贝捧上长街，与木叉货卖。你道他是何宝贝？有一件锦襕异宝袈裟、九环锡杖。还有那金紧禁三个箍儿，密密藏收，以俟后用。只将袈裟、锡杖出卖。

長安城裡，有那選不中的愚僧，倒有幾貫村鈔。In the city of Chang'an there were foolish monks who had not been chosen for the assembly, yet who had a few strings of coarse cash.見菩薩變化個疥癩形容，身穿破衲，赤腳光頭，將袈裟捧定，豔豔生光，他上前問道：「那癩和尚，你的袈裟要賣多少價錢？」菩薩道：「袈裟價值五千兩，錫杖價值二千兩。」那愚僧笑道：「這兩個癩和尚是瘋子！Seeing the Bodhisattva transformed into the likeness of a scabby, mangy figure, dressed in a tattered robe, barefoot and bareheaded, holding the cassock, which shone with dazzling brilliance, one of them stepped forward and asked, 'You mangy monk, how much do you want for your cassock?' The Bodhisattva said, 'The cassock is worth five thousand taels of silver, and the staff two thousand taels.' The foolish monk laughed and said, 'These two mangy monks are madmen!是傻子！They're fools!這兩件粗物，就賣得七千兩銀子？These two crude things, and you want to sell them for seven thousand taels of silver?只是除非穿上身長生不老，就得成佛作祖，也值不得這許多！Unless wearing them granted eternal life without aging, or made one attain Buddhahood and become a patriarch, they still wouldn't be worth so much!拿了去！Take them away!賣不成！」No sale!'

长安城里，有那选不中的愚僧，倒有几贯村钞。见菩萨变化个疥癞形容，身穿破衲，赤脚光头，将袈裟捧定，艳艳生光，他上前问道：「那癞和尚，你的袈裟要卖多少价钱？」菩萨道：「袈裟价值五千两，锡杖价值二千两。」那愚僧笑道：「这两个癞和尚是疯子！是傻子！这两件粗物，就卖得七千两银子？只是除非穿上身长生不老，就得成佛作祖，也值不得这许多！拿了去！卖不成！」

那菩薩更不爭吵，與木叉往前又走。The Bodhisattva did not argue at all, but went on further with Muzha.行勾多時，來到東華門前，正撞著宰相蕭瑀散朝而回，眾頭踏喝開街道。After walking for quite some time, they came before the Donghua Gate, just as they encountered Chancellor Xiao Yu returning from court, with his outriders shouting to clear the street.那菩薩公然不避，當街上拿著袈裟，徑迎著宰相。The Bodhisattva made no move to avoid him, but stood openly in the street holding the cassock, and went straight to meet the chancellor.宰相勒馬觀看，見袈裟豔豔生光，著手下人問那賣袈裟的要價幾何，菩薩道：「袈裟要五千兩，錫杖要二千兩。」蕭瑀道：「有何好處，值這般高價？」菩薩道：「袈裟有好處，有不好處；The chancellor reined in his horse to look, and seeing the cassock shining with dazzling brilliance, had his attendant ask the seller what price he wanted. The Bodhisattva said, 'The cassock is five thousand taels, and the staff two thousand taels.' Xiao Yu said, 'What virtues does it have, that it should be worth such a high price?' The Bodhisattva said, 'The cassock has its good points, and its bad points;有要錢處，有不要錢處。」蕭瑀道：「何為好？there are circumstances in which money is asked, and circumstances in which it is not.' Xiao Yu said, 'What do you mean by good?何為不好？」菩薩道：「著了我袈裟，不入沉淪，不墮地獄，不遭惡毒之難，不遇虎狼之災，便是好處；And what do you mean by bad?' The Bodhisattva said, 'One who wears my cassock will not sink into perdition, will not fall into hell, will not meet with vicious calamity, will not encounter the disaster of tigers and wolves — this is the good;若貪淫樂禍的愚僧，不齋不戒的和尚，毀經謗佛的凡夫，難見我袈裟之面，這便是不好處。」又問道：「何為要錢，不要錢？」菩薩道：「不遵佛法，不敬三寶，強買袈裟、錫杖，定要賣他七千兩，這便是要錢；but a foolish monk given to lust and delighting in calamity, a monk who keeps neither fast nor precept, or a worldly man who reviles the sutras and slanders the Buddha, would find it hard even to look upon my cassock — this is the bad.' He then asked, 'And what do you mean by asking money, and not asking money?' The Bodhisattva said, 'For one who does not honor the Buddha's Law, does not revere the Three Jewels, but insists on buying the cassock and staff by force, I would surely demand seven thousand taels of silver in payment — this is asking money;若敬重三寶，見善隨喜，皈依我佛，承受得起，我將袈裟、錫杖情願送他，與我結個善緣，這便是不要錢。」蕭瑀聞言，倍添春色，知他是個好人。but if one reveres the Three Jewels, rejoices at seeing good, takes refuge in my Buddha, and is worthy to receive them, I would gladly give him the cassock and staff, to form a bond of goodness with me — this is not asking money.' When Xiao Yu heard this, his face brightened all the more, and he knew this was a good man.即便下馬，與菩薩以禮相見，口稱：「大法長老，恕我蕭瑀之罪。He at once dismounted and greeted the Bodhisattva with courtesy, saying, 'Great elder of the Law, forgive my offense, Xiao Yu's own.我大唐皇帝十分好善，滿朝的文武無不奉行。Our Great Tang emperor is most devoted to goodness, and all the civil and military officials of the court follow his example without exception.即今起建水陸大會，這袈裟正好與大都闡陳玄奘法師穿用。Just now he has established the Grand Mass of Water and Land, and this cassock would be perfectly suited for Master Chen Xuanzang, the Grand Expounder, to wear.我和你入朝見駕去來。」Let you and I go together into the court to see His Majesty.'

那菩萨更不争吵，与木叉往前又走。行勾多时，来到东华门前，正撞著宰相萧瑀散朝而回，众头踏喝开街道。那菩萨公然不避，当街上拿著袈裟，径迎著宰相。宰相勒马观看，见袈裟艳艳生光，著手下人问那卖袈裟的要价几何，菩萨道：「袈裟要五千两，锡杖要二千两。」萧瑀道：「有何好处，值这般高价？」菩萨道：「袈裟有好处，有不好处；有要钱处，有不要钱处。」萧瑀道：「何为好？何为不好？」菩萨道：「著了我袈裟，不入沉沦，不堕地狱，不遭恶毒之难，不遇虎狼之灾，便是好处；若贪淫乐祸的愚僧，不斋不戒的和尚，毁经谤佛的凡夫，难见我袈裟之面，这便是不好处。」又问道：「何为要钱，不要钱？」菩萨道：「不遵佛法，不敬三宝，强买袈裟、锡杖，定要卖他七千两，这便是要钱；若敬重三宝，见善随喜，皈依我佛，承受得起，我将袈裟、锡杖情愿送他，与我结个善缘，这便是不要钱。」萧瑀闻言，倍添春色，知他是个好人。即便下马，与菩萨以礼相见，口称：「大法长老，恕我萧瑀之罪。我大唐皇帝十分好善，满朝的文武无不奉行。即今起建水陆大会，这袈裟正好与大都阐陈玄奘法师穿用。我和你入朝见驾去来。」

菩薩欣然從之，拽轉步，徑進東華門裡。The Bodhisattva gladly agreed, turned about, and went straight in through the Donghua Gate.黃門官轉奏，蒙旨宣至寶殿。The eunuch official relayed word to the throne, and by imperial decree they were summoned to the Treasure Hall.見蕭瑀引著兩個疥癩僧人，立於階下，唐王問曰：「蕭瑀來奏何事？」蕭瑀俯伏階前道：「臣出了東華門前，偶遇二僧，乃賣袈裟與錫杖者。Seeing Xiao Yu leading two scabby monks who stood beneath the steps, the Tang King asked, 'Xiao Yu, what matter have you come to report?' Xiao Yu prostrated himself before the steps and said, 'Your servant, going out before the Donghua Gate, chanced upon these two monks, who were selling a cassock and a monk's staff.臣思法師玄奘可著此服，故領僧人啟見。」太宗大喜，便問那袈裟價值幾何。Your servant thought that Master Xuanzang might wear this vestment, and so has brought the monks to present themselves.' Taizong was greatly pleased, and at once asked what the cassock was worth.菩薩與木叉侍立階下，更不行禮，因問袈裟之價，答道：「袈裟五千兩，錫杖二千兩。」太宗道：「那袈裟有何好處，就值許多？」菩薩道：The Bodhisattva and Muzha stood waiting beneath the steps, offering no obeisance at all, and when asked the price of the cassock, replied, 'The cassock is five thousand taels, the staff two thousand taels.' Taizong said, 'What virtues does that cassock have, that it should be worth so much?' The Bodhisattva said:

菩萨欣然从之，拽转步，径进东华门里。黄门官转奏，蒙旨宣至宝殿。见萧瑀引著两个疥癞僧人，立于阶下，唐王问曰：「萧瑀来奏何事？」萧瑀俯伏阶前道：「臣出了东华门前，偶遇二僧，乃卖袈裟与锡杖者。臣思法师玄奘可著此服，故领僧人启见。」太宗大喜，便问那袈裟价值几何。菩萨与木叉侍立阶下，更不行礼，因问袈裟之价，答道：「袈裟五千两，锡杖二千两。」太宗道：「那袈裟有何好处，就值许多？」菩萨道：

詩曰：A poem says:

诗曰：

唐王在那寶殿上聞言，十分歡喜。Hearing this in the Treasure Hall, the Tang King was greatly delighted.又問：「那和尚，九環杖有甚好處？」菩薩道：「我這錫杖，是那：He asked further, 'Monk, what virtues does the nine-ringed staff have?' The Bodhisattva said, 'This staff of mine is one that:

唐王在那宝殿上闻言，十分欢喜。又问：「那和尚，九环杖有甚好处？」菩萨道：「我这锡杖，是那：

唐王聞言，即命展開袈裟，從頭細看，果然是件好物。Hearing this, the Tang King at once ordered the cassock unfolded, and examined it closely from top to bottom; indeed it was a fine object.道：「大法長老，實不瞞你。He said, 'Great elder of the Law, I will not hide the truth from you.朕今大開善教，廣種福田，見在那化生寺聚集多僧，敷演經法。I am now widely opening the teaching of goodness, broadly sowing fields of blessing; at this moment many monks are gathered at Huasheng Monastery, expounding the sutras and the Law.內中有一個大有德行者，法名玄奘。Among them is one of great virtue and conduct, whose Dharma name is Xuanzang.朕買你這兩件寶物，賜他受用。I wish to buy these two treasures of yours and bestow them upon him for his use.你端的要價幾何？」菩薩聞言，與木叉合掌皈依，道聲佛號，躬身上啟道：「既有德行，貧僧情願送他，決不要錢。」說罷，抽身便走。Just what price do you truly ask?' Hearing this, the Bodhisattva pressed her palms together with Muzha in a gesture of reverence, uttered the Buddha's name, and bowing, replied, 'Since he is a man of virtue, this poor monk is willing to give it to him freely, and will certainly not ask for money.' Having said this, she turned and started to leave.唐王急著蕭瑀扯住，欠身立於殿上，問曰：「你原說袈裟五千兩，錫杖二千兩，你見朕要買，就不要錢，敢是說朕心倚恃君位，強要你的物件？The Tang King hastily had Xiao Yu hold her back, and rising slightly where he stood in the hall, asked, 'You said earlier the cassock was five thousand taels and the staff two thousand, and now that you see I wish to buy them, you refuse payment — do you perhaps think I, relying on my position as ruler, mean to seize your goods by force?更無此理。There is no such reasoning at all.朕照你原價奉償，卻不可推避。」菩薩起手道：「貧僧有願在前，原說果有敬重三寶，見善隨喜，皈依我佛，不要錢，願送與他。I shall pay you according to your original price; you must not decline it.' The Bodhisattva raised her hand in salute and said, 'This poor monk made a vow beforehand, saying that if there were truly one who reveres the Three Jewels, rejoices at seeing good, and takes refuge in my Buddha, I would not ask for money, but would gladly give it to him.今見陛下明德止善，敬我佛門；Now I see that Your Majesty's bright virtue rests in goodness, and reveres my gate of Buddhism;況又高僧有德有行，宣揚大法，理當奉上，決不要錢。moreover, this eminent monk has both virtue and conduct, and proclaims the great Law — by right I should present these to him, and will certainly not accept money.貧僧願留下此物告回。」唐王見他這等懃懇，甚喜。This poor monk is willing to leave these things and take my leave.' Seeing her so earnest and sincere, the Tang King was greatly pleased.隨命光祿寺，大排素宴酬謝。He then ordered the Court of Imperial Entertainments to lay out a great vegetarian banquet in thanks.菩薩又堅辭不受，暢然而去，依舊望都土地廟中隱避不題。The Bodhisattva firmly declined once more, and departed cheerfully, going as before to hide herself in the local Earth God's shrine in the capital — of this we shall say no more.

唐王闻言，即命展开袈裟，从头细看，果然是件好物。道：「大法长老，实不瞒你。朕今大开善教，广种福田，见在那化生寺聚集多僧，敷演经法。内中有一个大有德行者，法名玄奘。朕买你这两件宝物，赐他受用。你端的要价几何？」菩萨闻言，与木叉合掌皈依，道声佛号，躬身上启道：「既有德行，贫僧情愿送他，决不要钱。」说罢，抽身便走。唐王急著萧瑀扯住，欠身立于殿上，问曰：「你原说袈裟五千两，锡杖二千两，你见朕要买，就不要钱，敢是说朕心倚恃君位，强要你的物件？更无此理。朕照你原价奉偿，却不可推避。」菩萨起手道：「贫僧有愿在前，原说果有敬重三宝，见善随喜，皈依我佛，不要钱，愿送与他。今见陛下明德止善，敬我佛门；况又高僧有德有行，宣扬大法，理当奉上，决不要钱。贫僧愿留下此物告回。」唐王见他这等懃恳，甚喜。随命光禄寺，大排素宴酬谢。菩萨又坚辞不受，畅然而去，依旧望都土地庙中隐避不题。

卻說太宗設午朝，著魏徵賫旨，宣玄奘入朝。Now speak of Taizong, who held midday court and had Wei Zheng carry his decree to summon Xuanzang to the court.那法師正聚眾登壇，諷經誦偈，一聞有旨，隨下壇整衣，與魏徵同往見駕。The Master was just then gathering the assembly and mounting the altar, chanting sutras and reciting gathas; as soon as he heard there was a decree, he came down from the altar, straightened his robes, and went together with Wei Zheng to see the emperor.太宗道：「求證善事，有勞法師，無物酬謝。Taizong said, 'In seeking to attest to this good work, I have troubled the Master greatly, yet have nothing with which to reward you.早間蕭瑀迎著二僧，願送錦襴異寶袈裟一件，九環錫杖一條。This morning Xiao Yu encountered two monks, who were willing to give a brocade cassock set with rare gems, and a nine-ringed monk's staff.今特召法師領去受用。」玄奘叩頭謝恩。I have now especially summoned you, Master, to receive them for your use.' Xuanzang kowtowed in thanks for the favor.太宗道：「法師如不棄，可穿上與朕看看。」長老遂將袈裟抖開，披在身上，手持錫杖，侍立階前。Taizong said, 'Master, if you do not disdain it, put it on and let me see.' The elder then shook out the cassock, draped it over himself, took the staff in hand, and stood waiting before the steps.君臣個個忻然。Ruler and ministers alike were all delighted.誠為如來佛子。Truly he was a son of the Buddha Tathagata.你看他：Just look at him:

却说太宗设午朝，著魏征赍旨，宣玄奘入朝。那法师正聚众登坛，讽经诵偈，一闻有旨，随下坛整衣，与魏征同往见驾。太宗道：「求证善事，有劳法师，无物酬谢。早间萧瑀迎著二僧，愿送锦襕异宝袈裟一件，九环锡杖一条。今特召法师领去受用。」玄奘叩头谢恩。太宗道：「法师如不弃，可穿上与朕看看。」长老遂将袈裟抖开，披在身上，手持锡杖，侍立阶前。君臣个个忻然。诚为如来佛子。你看他：

當時文武階前喝采。At that moment the civil and military officials before the steps cried out in praise.太宗喜之不勝，即著法師穿了袈裟，持了寶杖；Taizong, unable to contain his delight, at once had the Master keep on the cassock and hold the precious staff;又賜兩隊儀從，著多官送出朝門，教他上大街行道，往寺裡去，就如中狀元誇官的一般。and further bestowed upon him two ranks of ceremonial escort, ordering many officials to see him out through the court gates, and had him proceed along the main streets to the monastery, just as though he were a top graduate parading his honor.這去玄奘再拜謝恩，在那大街上，烈烈轟轟，搖搖擺擺。So Xuanzang bowed again in thanks for the favor, and went along the main street, magnificent and resounding, swaying grandly along.你看那長安城裡，行商坐賈、公子王孫、墨客文人、大男小女，無不爭看誇獎，俱道：「好個法師，真是個活羅漢下降，活菩薩臨凡。」Just see how, throughout the city of Chang'an, traveling merchants and shopkeepers, noble sons and princes, scholars and men of letters, men and women, young and old, all vied to watch and praise him, all saying, 'What a fine Master — truly a living Arhat descended, a living Bodhisattva come into the world.'

当时文武阶前喝采。太宗喜之不胜，即著法师穿了袈裟，持了宝杖；又赐两队仪从，著多官送出朝门，教他上大街行道，往寺里去，就如中状元夸官的一般。这去玄奘再拜谢恩，在那大街上，烈烈轰轰，摇摇摆摆。你看那长安城里，行商坐贾、公子王孙、墨客文人、大男小女，无不争看夸奖，俱道：「好个法师，真是个活罗汉下降，活菩萨临凡。」

玄奘直至寺裡，僧人下榻來迎。Xuanzang went straight to the monastery, where the monks came down from their seats to welcome him.一見他披此袈裟，執此錫杖，都道是地藏王來了，各各歸依，侍於左右。As soon as they saw him wearing this cassock and holding this staff, they all said that Dizang Wang had come, and each of them took refuge, attending him on either side.玄奘上殿，炷香禮佛。Xuanzang went up into the hall, lit incense, and paid homage to the Buddha.又對眾感述聖恩已畢，各歸禪座。Having then related to the assembly his gratitude for the imperial favor, they each returned to their meditation seats.又不覺紅輪西墜。And before they knew it, the red disc of the sun had sunk in the west.正是那：Truly it was:

玄奘直至寺里，僧人下榻来迎。一见他披此袈裟，执此锡杖，都道是地藏王来了，各各归依，侍于左右。玄奘上殿，炷香礼佛。又对众感述圣恩已毕，各归禅座。又不觉红轮西坠。正是那：

光陰撚指，卻當七日正會。Time slipped by in a flash, and now came the seventh day, the main day of the assembly.玄奘又具表，請唐王拈香。Xuanzang again prepared a memorial, inviting the Tang King to come and burn incense.此時善聲遍滿天下。By this time, word of this good deed had spread throughout the whole realm.太宗即排駕，率文武多官、后妃國戚，早赴寺裡。Taizong at once had his carriage prepared, and leading many civil and military officials, empresses, consorts, and royal relatives, arrived early at the monastery.那一城人，無論大小尊卑，俱詣寺聽講。All the people of the city, high and low without exception, went to the monastery to hear the sermon.

光阴撚指，却当七日正会。玄奘又具表，请唐王拈香。此时善声遍满天下。太宗即排驾，率文武多官、后妃国戚，早赴寺里。那一城人，无论大小尊卑，俱诣寺听讲。

當有菩薩與木叉道：「今日是水陸正會，以一七繼七七，可矣了。At that time the Bodhisattva said to Muzha, 'Today is the main day of the Water and Land Mass — with this seventh day completing the forty-nine, it may be considered enough.我和你雜在眾人叢中，一則看他那會何如，二則看金蟬子可有福穿我的寶貝，三則也聽他講的是那一門經法。」兩人隨投寺裡。You and I shall mingle among the crowd — first, to see how the assembly fares; second, to see whether Jinchanzi has the good fortune to wear my treasures; and third, to listen to which school of scripture and Law he expounds.' The two of them then went into the monastery.正是有緣得遇舊相識，般若還歸本道場。Truly it was: fated to meet again an old acquaintance, as Prajna returns to its original place of practice.入到寺裡觀看，真個是：Entering the monastery to look about, it was truly:

当有菩萨与木叉道：「今日是水陆正会，以一七继七七，可矣了。我和你杂在众人丛中，一则看他那会何如，二则看金蝉子可有福穿我的宝贝，三则也听他讲的是那一门经法。」两人随投寺里。正是有缘得遇旧相识，般若还归本道场。入到寺里观看，真个是：

這菩薩直至多寶臺邊，果然是明智金蟬之相。The Bodhisattva went straight to the side of the Duobao Platform, and indeed it bore the countenance of the wise and enlightened Jinchanzi.詩曰：A poem says:

这菩萨直至多宝台边，果然是明智金蝉之相。诗曰：

又詩曰：Another poem says:

又诗曰：

那法師在臺上念一會《受生度亡經》，談一會《安邦天寶篆》，又宣一會《勸修功卷》。The Master, up on the platform, recited for a while from the Sutra of Rebirth and Deliverance of the Dead, then spoke for a while on the Heavenly Treasure Register for Pacifying the Realm, and further proclaimed for a while the Scroll Exhorting Cultivation of Merit.這菩薩近前來，拍著寶臺，厲聲高叫道：「那和尚，你只會談小乘教法，可會談大乘麼？」玄奘聞言，心中大喜，翻身跳下臺來，對菩薩起手道：「老師父，弟子失瞻多罪。The Bodhisattva came forward, slapped the platform, and called out sternly in a loud voice, 'Monk, you only know how to expound the teachings of the Small Vehicle — can you expound those of the Great Vehicle?' Hearing this, Xuanzang was greatly delighted at heart, turned and leapt down from the platform, and saluted the Bodhisattva with folded hands, saying, 'Venerable master, this disciple has failed to recognize you, and is guilty of many faults.見前的蓋眾僧人，都講的是小乘教法，卻不知大乘教法如何。」菩薩道：「你這小乘教法，度不得亡者超昇，只可渾俗和光而已。I see that all the monks gathered here before have been expounding the teachings of the Small Vehicle, but I do not know what the teachings of the Great Vehicle are like.' The Bodhisattva said, 'This Small Vehicle teaching of yours cannot deliver the dead to ascend and be saved; it can only blend with the vulgar and dim its own light.我有大乘佛法三藏，能超亡者昇天，能度難人脫苦，能修無量壽身，能作無來無去。」I possess the Tripitaka of the Great Vehicle Buddhist Law, which can deliver the dead to ascend to heaven, can save those in distress from suffering, can cultivate the body of boundless life, and can achieve neither coming nor going.'

那法师在台上念一会《受生度亡经》，谈一会《安邦天宝篆》，又宣一会《劝修功卷》。这菩萨近前来，拍著宝台，厉声高叫道：「那和尚，你只会谈小乘教法，可会谈大乘么？」玄奘闻言，心中大喜，翻身跳下台来，对菩萨起手道：「老师父，弟子失瞻多罪。见前的盖众僧人，都讲的是小乘教法，却不知大乘教法如何。」菩萨道：「你这小乘教法，度不得亡者超升，只可浑俗和光而已。我有大乘佛法三藏，能超亡者升天，能度难人脱苦，能修无量寿身，能作无来无去。」

正講處，有那司香巡堂官急奏唐王道：「法師正講談妙法，被兩個疥癩遊僧扯下來亂說胡話。」王令擒來。Just as this was being said, the officer in charge of incense who was patrolling the hall hastily reported to the Tang King, 'The Master was just expounding the wondrous Law, when two wandering scabby monks pulled him down and began talking nonsense.' The King ordered them seized and brought before him.只見許多人將二僧推擁進後法堂，見了太宗，那僧人手也不起，拜也不拜，仰面道：「陛下問我何事？」唐王卻認得他，道：「你是前日送袈裟的和尚？」菩薩道：「正是。」太宗道：「你既來此處聽講，只該吃些齋便了，為何與我法師亂講，擾亂經堂，誤我佛事？」菩薩道：「你那法師講的是小乘教法，度不得亡者昇天。Many people were seen pushing and crowding the two monks into the rear Dharma hall; on seeing Taizong, the monk neither raised his hands nor bowed, but looked up and said, 'What does Your Majesty wish to ask me?' The Tang King recognized her and said, 'Are you not the monk who brought the cassock the other day?' The Bodhisattva said, 'Just so.' Taizong said, 'Since you came here to listen to the sermon, you should simply have eaten some vegetarian food and been done with it — why did you dispute wildly with my Master, disturb the sutra hall, and spoil my Buddhist service?' The Bodhisattva said, 'That Master of yours is expounding the teachings of the Small Vehicle, which cannot deliver the dead to ascend to heaven.我有大乘佛法三藏，可以度亡脫苦，壽身無壞。」太宗正色喜問道：「你那大乘佛法在於何處？」菩薩道：「在大西天天竺國大雷音寺我佛如來處，能解百冤之結，能消無妄之災。」太宗道：「你可記得麼？」菩薩道：「我記得。」太宗大喜道：「教法師引去，請上臺開講。」I possess the Tripitaka of the Great Vehicle Buddhist Law, which can deliver the dead from suffering, and grant a body of life that knows no decay.' Taizong, his expression turning grave with delight, asked, 'Where is this Great Vehicle Law of yours to be found?' The Bodhisattva said, 'It is in the Leiyin Monastery in the country of India in the Great Western Heaven, at the place of our Buddha Tathagata; it can untie a hundred knots of grievance, and dispel calamities that come without cause.' Taizong said, 'Can you remember it?' The Bodhisattva said, 'I remember it.' Taizong, greatly delighted, said, 'Let the Master be guided there — please go up to the platform and begin the discourse.'

正讲处，有那司香巡堂官急奏唐王道：「法师正讲谈妙法，被两个疥癞游僧扯下来乱说胡话。」王令擒来。只见许多人将二僧推拥进后法堂，见了太宗，那僧人手也不起，拜也不拜，仰面道：「陛下问我何事？」唐王却认得他，道：「你是前日送袈裟的和尚？」菩萨道：「正是。」太宗道：「你既来此处听讲，只该吃些斋便了，为何与我法师乱讲，扰乱经堂，误我佛事？」菩萨道：「你那法师讲的是小乘教法，度不得亡者升天。我有大乘佛法三藏，可以度亡脱苦，寿身无坏。」太宗正色喜问道：「你那大乘佛法在于何处？」菩萨道：「在大西天天竺国大雷音寺我佛如来处，能解百冤之结，能消无妄之灾。」太宗道：「你可记得么？」菩萨道：「我记得。」太宗大喜道：「教法师引去，请上台开讲。」

那菩薩帶了木叉，飛上高臺，遂踏祥雲，直至九霄，現出救苦原身，托了淨瓶楊柳。The Bodhisattva, taking Muzha with her, flew up onto the high platform, then trod upon auspicious clouds, rose straight to the ninth heaven, and revealed her true form as the Savior from Suffering, holding the pure vase and the willow branch.左邊是木叉惠岸，執著棍，抖擻精神。On her left was Muzha Hui'an, gripping his staff, his spirit brimming with vigor.喜的個唐王朝天禮拜，眾文武跪地焚香。This delighted the Tang King so that he bowed in worship toward heaven, and the assembled civil and military officials knelt on the ground burning incense.滿寺中僧尼道俗、士人工賈，無一人不拜禱道：「好菩薩！Throughout the whole monastery, monks and nuns, clergy and laity, scholars, artisans, and merchants — there was not one who did not bow and pray, saying, 'Blessed Bodhisattva!好菩薩！」有讚為證。Blessed Bodhisattva!' There is a eulogy to bear witness.但見那：One could see:

那菩萨带了木叉，飞上高台，遂踏祥云，直至九霄，现出救苦原身，托了净瓶杨柳。左边是木叉惠岸，执著棍，抖擞精神。喜的个唐王朝天礼拜，众文武跪地焚香。满寺中僧尼道俗、士人工贾，无一人不拜祷道：「好菩萨！好菩萨！」有赞为证。但见那：

喜的個唐太宗忘了江山，愛的那文武官失卻朝禮，蓋眾多人都念「南無觀世音菩薩」。So delighted was Tang Taizong that he forgot his very kingdom, and so enraptured were the civil and military officials that they lost all sense of court propriety, while all the assembled multitude chanted, 'Namo Guanshiyin Pusa.'太宗即傳旨，教巧手丹青描下菩薩真像。Taizong at once issued a decree, ordering a skilled painter to sketch the Bodhisattva's true likeness.旨意一聲，選出個圖神寫聖、遠見高明的吳道子（此人即後圖功臣於凌煙閣者）。At the word of the decree, there was chosen a man skilled in depicting gods and portraying sages, one of far-sighted and lofty ability — Wu Daozi (this was the very man who later painted the meritorious officials in the Lingyan Pavilion).當時展開妙筆，圖寫真形。At once he took up his wondrous brush and painted her true form.那菩薩祥雲漸遠，霎時間不見了金光。The Bodhisattva's auspicious cloud gradually receded into the distance, and in an instant her golden radiance was seen no more.只見那半空中滴溜溜落下一張簡帖，上有幾句頌子，寫得明白。Only a slip of paper was seen spinning down out of midair, on which several lines of verse were written out clearly.頌曰：The verse said:

喜的个唐太宗忘了江山，爱的那文武官失却朝礼，盖众多人都念「南无观世音菩萨」。太宗即传旨，教巧手丹青描下菩萨真像。旨意一声，选出个图神写圣、远见高明的吴道子（此人即后图功臣于凌烟阁者）。当时展开妙笔，图写真形。那菩萨祥云渐远，霎时间不见了金光。只见那半空中滴溜溜落下一张简帖，上有几句颂子，写得明白。颂曰：

太宗見了頌子，即命眾僧：「且收勝會，待我差人取得大乘經來，再秉丹誠，重修善果。」眾官無不遵依。When Taizong saw the verse, he at once ordered the assembled monks, 'Let us for now conclude this glorious assembly; wait until I have sent someone to fetch the Great Vehicle scriptures, and then, holding fast to sincere devotion, we shall once more cultivate good works.' None of the officials failed to comply.當時在寺中問曰：「誰肯領朕旨意，上西天拜佛求經？」問不了，傍邊閃過法師，帝前施禮道：「貧僧不才，願效犬馬之勞，與陛下求取真經，祈保我王江山永固。」唐王大喜，上前將御手扶起道：「法師果能盡此忠賢，不怕程途遙遠，跋涉山川，朕情願與你拜為兄弟。」玄奘頓首謝恩。At that time, in the monastery, he asked, 'Who is willing to receive my decree, and go to the Western Heaven to worship the Buddha and seek the scriptures?' Before he had finished asking, the Master stepped forward from the side, and bowing before the emperor said, 'This poor monk, though unworthy, is willing to render the humble service of a dog or a horse, to seek the true scriptures on Your Majesty's behalf, and pray that our sovereign's realm be forever secure.' The Tang King was greatly delighted, and stepping forward, raised him up with his own imperial hand, saying, 'If the Master can truly exhaust such loyalty and worth, unafraid of the distant road and the toil of mountains and rivers, I am willing to become sworn brothers with you.' Xuanzang bowed his head in thanks for the favor.唐王果是十分賢德，就去那寺裡佛前，與玄奘拜了四拜，口稱「御弟聖僧」。The Tang King, being indeed a man of great virtue and worth, went right there before the Buddha in the monastery and bowed four times together with Xuanzang, addressing him as 'Imperial Brother, Holy Monk.'玄奘感謝不盡道：「陛下，貧僧有何德何能，敢蒙天恩眷顧如此？Xuanzang, overwhelmed with gratitude, said, 'Your Majesty, what virtue or ability has this poor monk, that he should dare receive such heavenly favor and care as this?我這一去，定要捐軀努力，直至西天；On this journey I shall surely give my utmost effort, even at the cost of my life, until I reach the Western Heaven;如不到西天，不得真經，即死也不敢回國，永墮沉淪地獄。」隨在佛前拈香，以此為誓。if I do not reach the Western Heaven and obtain the true scriptures, then even in death I dare not return to this land, and shall forever sink into the hell of perdition.' He then burned incense before the Buddha, taking this as his vow.唐王甚喜，即命回鑾，待選良利日辰，發牒出行，遂此駕回各散。The Tang King was greatly pleased, and at once ordered the imperial carriage to return; he would wait until an auspicious day and hour were chosen, issue the travel document, and set out — and so the procession returned, and all dispersed.

太宗见了颂子，即命众僧：「且收胜会，待我差人取得大乘经来，再秉丹诚，重修善果。」众官无不遵依。当时在寺中问曰：「谁肯领朕旨意，上西天拜佛求经？」问不了，傍边闪过法师，帝前施礼道：「贫僧不才，愿效犬马之劳，与陛下求取真经，祈保我王江山永固。」唐王大喜，上前将御手扶起道：「法师果能尽此忠贤，不怕程途遥远，跋涉山川，朕情愿与你拜为兄弟。」玄奘顿首谢恩。唐王果是十分贤德，就去那寺里佛前，与玄奘拜了四拜，口称「御弟圣僧」。玄奘感谢不尽道：「陛下，贫僧有何德何能，敢蒙天恩眷顾如此？我这一去，定要捐躯努力，直至西天；如不到西天，不得真经，即死也不敢回国，永堕沉沦地狱。」随在佛前拈香，以此为誓。唐王甚喜，即命回銮，待选良利日辰，发牒出行，遂此驾回各散。

玄奘亦回洪福寺裡。Xuanzang likewise returned to Hongfu Monastery.那本寺多僧與幾個徒弟，早聞取經之事，都來相見，因問：「發誓願上西天，實否？」玄奘道：「是實。」他徒弟道：「師父啊，嘗聞人言，西天路遠，更多虎豹妖魔。The many monks of that monastery and several of his disciples, having already heard of the matter of fetching the scriptures, all came to see him, and asked, 'Is it true that you have vowed to go to the Western Heaven?' Xuanzang said, 'It is true.' His disciples said, 'Master, we have often heard people say that the road to the Western Heaven is far, and there are besides many tigers, leopards, and demon spirits.只怕有去無回，難保身命。」玄奘道：「我已發了洪誓大願，不取真經，永墮沉淪地獄。We fear only that you may go and never return, and that your life can hardly be preserved.' Xuanzang said, 'I have already made a great vow and oath, that if I do not obtain the true scriptures, I shall forever sink into the hell of perdition.大抵是受王恩寵，不得不盡忠以報國耳。After all, having received the emperor's grace and favor, I cannot but exhaust my loyalty in repaying my country.我此去真是渺渺茫茫，吉凶難定。」又道：「徒弟們，我去之後，或三二年，或五七年，但看那山門裡松枝頭向東，我即回來；This journey of mine is truly vast and uncertain, and whether fortune or misfortune awaits cannot be foretold.' He further said, 'Disciples, after I am gone — whether it be two or three years, or five or seven years — just watch the pine branches at the monastery gate: when their tips turn to face east, I shall return;不然，斷不回矣。」眾徒將此言切切而記。otherwise, I shall certainly not return.' His disciples earnestly took these words to heart and remembered them.

玄奘亦回洪福寺里。那本寺多僧与几个徒弟，早闻取经之事，都来相见，因问：「发誓愿上西天，实否？」玄奘道：「是实。」他徒弟道：「师父啊，尝闻人言，西天路远，更多虎豹妖魔。只怕有去无回，难保身命。」玄奘道：「我已发了洪誓大愿，不取真经，永堕沉沦地狱。大抵是受王恩宠，不得不尽忠以报国耳。我此去真是渺渺茫茫，吉凶难定。」又道：「徒弟们，我去之后，或三二年，或五七年，但看那山门里松枝头向东，我即回来；不然，断不回矣。」众徒将此言切切而记。

次早，太宗設朝，聚集文武，寫了取經文牒，用了通行寶印。Early the next morning, Taizong held court, gathered his civil and military officials, wrote out the travel rescript for fetching the scriptures, and stamped it with the precious seal of passage.有欽天監奏曰：「今日是人尊吉星，堪宜出行遠路。」唐王大喜。The Imperial Astronomer memorialized, saying: "Today the Star of Human Honor is auspicious — it is fitting for setting out on a distant journey." The Tang emperor was greatly pleased.又見黃門官奏道：「御弟法師朝門外候旨。」隨即宣上寶殿道：「御弟，今日是出行吉日。Then the Gate Officer reported: "Your Imperial Brother, the Dharma Master, awaits your decree outside the court gate." The emperor at once summoned him up to the throne hall, saying: "Imperial Brother, today is an auspicious day for setting out."這是通關文牒。"Here is the rescript for passing through the border checkpoints."朕又有一個紫金缽盂，送你途中化齋而用。"I also have a purple-gold alms bowl, which I give you to use for begging food along the way."再選兩個長行的從者。"I have further chosen two attendants to accompany you on the long journey."又欽賜你馬一匹，送為遠行腳力。"And I bestow upon you by imperial grace a horse, to serve as your mount for the distant road."你可就此行程。」玄奘大喜，即便謝了恩，領了物事，更無留滯之意。"You may set out on your journey now." Xuanzang was overjoyed, at once gave thanks for the emperor's favor, received the gifts, and showed not the least wish to linger.唐王排駕，與多官同送至關外。The Tang emperor had his carriage made ready and, together with many officials, escorted him out beyond the pass.只見那洪福寺僧與諸徒將玄奘的冬夏衣服，俱送在關外相等。There they saw the monks of Hongfu Monastery and Xuanzang's disciples, who had brought his winter and summer garments and were waiting for him outside the pass.唐王見了，先教收拾行囊、馬匹，然後著官人執壺酌酒。When the Tang emperor saw this, he first had the baggage and horse made ready, and then had his officials hold the flask and pour the wine.太宗舉爵，又問曰：「御弟雅號甚稱？」玄奘道：「貧僧出家人，未敢稱號。」太宗道：「當時菩薩說，西天有經三藏。Taizong raised his cup and asked further: "Imperial Brother, what fine name do you go by?" Xuanzang replied: "This poor monk, having left the household life, has not dared to take a name." Taizong said: "At the time, the Bodhisattva said that in the Western Heaven there are scriptures called the Tripitaka, the Three Stores."御弟可指經取號，號作三藏何如？」玄奘又謝恩，接了御酒道：「陛下，酒乃僧家頭一戒，貧僧自為人，不會飲酒。」太宗道：「今日之行，比他事不同，此乃素酒，只飲此一杯，以盡朕奉餞之意。」三藏不敢不受，接了酒，方待要飲，只見太宗低頭，將御指拾一撮塵土，彈入酒中。"Might the Imperial Brother take a name from the scriptures and be called Sanzang — how would that be?" Xuanzang again gave thanks for the emperor's favor, and taking the imperial wine, said: "Your Majesty, wine is the very first precept for monks; ever since this poor monk took to religious life, he has not drunk wine." Taizong said: "Today's departure is unlike other matters — this is plain, meatless wine; drink only this one cup, so as to fulfill my wish to see you off." Sanzang dared not refuse, and took the wine; but just as he was about to drink, he saw Taizong lower his head, pick up a pinch of dust with his imperial finger, and flick it into the wine.三藏不解其意，太宗笑道：「御弟啊，這一去，到西天，幾時可回？」三藏道：「只在三年，徑回上國。」太宗道：「日久年深，山遙路遠，御弟可進此酒：寧戀本鄉一捻土，莫愛他鄉萬兩金。」三藏方悟捻土之意，復謝恩飲盡，辭謝出關而去。Sanzang did not understand the meaning of this. Taizong said with a smile: "Imperial Brother, on this journey to the Western Heaven, when will you be able to return?" Sanzang answered: "Within three years at most, I shall come straight back to the Land Above." Taizong said: "The days are long and the years deep, the mountains distant and the roads far — Imperial Brother, drink this wine: better to cherish a pinch of earth from one's native land than to love ten thousand taels of gold in a foreign one." Only then did Sanzang grasp the meaning of the pinch of dust; he again gave thanks for the emperor's favor, drained the cup, took his leave, and went out through the pass.唐王駕回。The Tang emperor's carriage returned to the palace.

次早，太宗设朝，聚集文武，写了取经文牒，用了通行宝印。有钦天监奏曰：「今日是人尊吉星，堪宜出行远路。」唐王大喜。又见黄门官奏道：「御弟法师朝门外候旨。」随即宣上宝殿道：「御弟，今日是出行吉日。这是通关文牒。朕又有一个紫金钵盂，送你途中化斋而用。再选两个长行的从者。又钦赐你马一匹，送为远行脚力。你可就此行程。」玄奘大喜，即便谢了恩，领了物事，更无留滞之意。唐王排驾，与多官同送至关外。只见那洪福寺僧与诸徒将玄奘的冬夏衣服，俱送在关外相等。唐王见了，先教收拾行囊、马匹，然后著官人执壶酌酒。太宗举爵，又问曰：「御弟雅号甚称？」玄奘道：「贫僧出家人，未敢称号。」太宗道：「当时菩萨说，西天有经三藏。御弟可指经取号，号作三藏何如？」玄奘又谢恩，接了御酒道：「陛下，酒乃僧家头一戒，贫僧自为人，不会饮酒。」太宗道：「今日之行，比他事不同，此乃素酒，只饮此一杯，以尽朕奉饯之意。」三藏不敢不受，接了酒，方待要饮，只见太宗低头，将御指拾一撮尘土，弹入酒中。三藏不解其意，太宗笑道：「御弟啊，这一去，到西天，几时可回？」三藏道：「只在三年，径回上国。」太宗道：「日久年深，山遥路远，御弟可进此酒：宁恋本乡一捻土，莫爱他乡万两金。」三藏方悟捻土之意，复谢恩饮尽，辞谢出关而去。唐王驾回。

畢竟不知此去何如，且聽下回分解。What became of this journey is not yet known; listen to the explanation given in the next chapter.

毕竟不知此去何如，且听下回分解。