西遊記   By: Cheng'en Wu (1500-1582)

"Journey to the West" by Cheng'en Wu is a classic Chinese novel that tells the fantastical and adventurous story of the monk Tripitaka and his three companions – the Monkey King, Pigsy, and Sandy – as they journey to India to obtain sacred Buddhist scriptures.

I was immediately drawn into the story by the colorful characters and vivid descriptions of the mythical creatures and challenging obstacles they face along the way. The Monkey King, in particular, stood out to me with his mischievous and clever personality, adding humor and excitement to the narrative.

The novel is not only an entertaining adventure but also carries deeper philosophical and moral themes, exploring the ideas of redemption, perseverance, and the importance of spiritual enlightenment. The journey itself serves as a metaphor for the trials and tribulations one must overcome to achieve spiritual awakening.

Overall, "Journey to the West" is a captivating and imaginative tale that is sure to enchant readers of all ages. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys epic adventures, folklore, and Eastern literature.

First Page:

蓋聞天地之數，有十二萬九千六百歲為一元。將一元分為十二會，乃子、丑、寅 、卯、辰、巳、午、未、申、酉、戌、亥之十二支也。每會該一萬八百歲。且就 一日而論：子時得陽氣，而丑則雞鳴﹔寅不通光，而卯則日出﹔辰時食後，而巳 則挨排﹔日午天中，而未則西蹉﹔申時晡，而日落酉，戌黃昏，而人定亥。譬於 大數，若到戌會之終，則天地昏曚而萬物否矣。再去五千四百歲，交亥會之初， 則當黑暗，而兩間人物俱無矣，故曰混沌。又五千四百歲，亥會將終，貞下起元 ，近子之會，而復逐漸開明。邵康節曰：：「冬至子之半，天心無改移。一陽初 動處，萬物未生時。」到此，天始有根。再五千四百歲，正當子會，輕清上騰， 有日，有月，有星，有辰。日、月、星、辰，謂之四象。故曰，天開於子。又經 五千四百歲，子會將終，近... Continue reading book >>