The Relationship between Maitreya Buddha and Tathagata in The Journey to the West

The world of westward journey is not the real world, and the immortals in Journey to the West are very different

The Relationship between Maitreya Buddha and Tathagata in The Journey to the West

The world of westward journey is not the real world, and the immortals in Journey to the West are very different from those in traditional myths and religions. Master Wu Cheng'en made a drastic change to the traditional immortal Buddha with his elegant pen. These changes fundamentally make the westward immortal Buddha no longer a god, but a "person" completely.

In the previous series of articles, we have analyzed the great changes of Journey to the West to Laojun and Nezha, and this article will talk about Maitreya.

In The Journey to the West, Maitreya Buddha only appeared in the story of Little Leiyin Temple, but in the finale, it appeared sideways. It can be said that compared with Guanyin and Tathagata in Buddhism, there are not many scenes of Maitreya Buddha. However, what is concentrated is the essence. Although the description of Maitreya Buddha in The Journey to the West is only a few thousand words, it gives us a completely different understanding of the whole westward journey world, especially the pattern of the Buddhist world.

In The Journey to the West, Wu Cheng'en made three major transformations on Maitreya Buddha, each of which was of great significance.

First, the image of Maitreya has changed a lot.

In Buddhist common sense and folk impression, Maitreya has two iconic images: one is a big belly. Second, laugh often. As the saying goes: "A big belly can accommodate the intolerable things in the world, and when you open your mouth, you will laugh at the ridiculous people in the world."

These two characteristics are also preserved in the poems of Maitreya Buddha on the Journey to the West. There is a cloud in the poem: "big ears are horizontal, shoulders are full, and the body is fat." . It's full of spring, and my eyes are full. "

However, with the change of context, the image of Maitreya has also undergone major changes.

As soon as Maitreya appeared, he said to the Monkey King, "Wukong, do you know me?"

Maitreya's words are full of domineering. The implication is that although the Monkey King and Maitreya have never met on formal occasions, the Monkey King should and must know Maitreya because of her magical power and status.

The original text says:

When Monkey saw this, he quickly bowed down and said, "Come to the East Palace, Buddha? Disciples have evaded, and all sins are unforgivable, and all sins are unforgivable! "

The Monkey King became famous early and developed a pair of pride. When he met Kyubi no Youko Fox in Longshan, he lamented that he had only worshipped four people in his life and was very angry at kowtowing to the fox. But now that I see Maitreya, I don't need Maitreya to talk. The Monkey King took the initiative to bow down, and his tone was extremely respectful.

The Monkey King changed his old temperament only because he had already heard of the fierce name and notoriety of Maitreya!

Why do you say that?

When he saw the small screamo temple in the distance, the Monkey King once said, "Master, that place is a temple, but I don't know what kind of power there is in Zen. When we arrive at that compartment, we must not enter it without authorization, lest we be killed. "

This sentence actually tells the image of Maitreya Buddha in the Monkey King's heart.

Small screamo temple seems to be shrouded in auspicious light and compassion, but in fact it is fierce inside. If you offend it, you will definitely be killed. That is to say, Maitreya seems to be smiling, but it is actually very spicy. Have sinned against him, there is death but no life!

Second, deliberately highlight the contradiction between Maitreya and Tathagata.