Journey to the West: Man in heaven, working nine to five

#2087 - Guanyin's Boast

Guanyin naturally wore an expression of triumph and pride as she faced Tang Sanzang and his disciples, further emphasized by the grateful words of the surrounding populace, seemingly validating the prosperous state of Jinping Prefecture.

"Jinping Prefecture does indeed appear peaceful and stable, with its people living in affluence, akin to a paradise on earth. Yet, in such a place, how can there be so many wronged souls and malevolent spirits?"

Tang Sanzang, having journeyed westward, was already well aware of the true nature of the Western Paradise.

Regardless of whether the Western Paradise had truly changed its ways and genuinely intended to establish a paradise on earth in this corner of Jinping Prefecture,

the sheer number of wronged souls and malevolent spirits they had just witnessed were not conjured from thin air but were the manifestations of deep resentment from deceased souls.

"These are all insignificant matters, merely minor flaws in the otherwise prosperous state of Jinping Prefecture. But flaws do not obscure the jade."

Guanyin seemed to know the reason for this but did not wish to explain, nor was she willing to continue this topic with Tang Sanzang.

"Our Western Paradise is gradually changing the world through the power of Buddhism, and Jinping Prefecture is the best example of this.

As for other chaotic places, it is because they are not devout. The people do not firmly believe in Buddhism, thus inviting numerous disasters."

Guanyin continued to seize this opportunity to emphasize the importance of Buddhism to Tang Sanzang and his disciples.

"If the Western Paradise aims to universally save people through Buddhism, alleviate the suffering of the masses, and establish a harmonious world,

then why illuminate the entire Jinping Prefecture with lights throughout the night, and use such precious ghee oil? Wouldn't it be better to exchange this oil for things more useful to the people, such as food or money, which could save even more people?"

Sun Wukong posed another question to Guanyin.

A prosperous and peaceful era naturally implies affluent and healthy people, a stable and orderly society. A true golden age requires no deliberate embellishment.

Yet, within this Jinping Prefecture, the Western Paradise distributed oil, forcibly requiring lanterns and decorations, with lights burning incessantly throughout the night.

Creating a facade of prosperity in such a manner inevitably felt too deliberate and artificial, appearing unnatural and illogical.

"Wukong, you are thinking too much. The matter of the lights is merely a reflection of prosperity and an expression of the people's respect for Buddhism."

Guanyin could only offer a forced explanation for this question, but even she herself probably found it unconvincing.

"Buddhism universally saves people, but it also requires a prerequisite: that people must firmly believe in Buddhism.

From officials and nobles to commoners, everyone in Jinping Prefecture believes in Buddhism, which is why there is such a magnificent and beautiful scene."

Guanyin continued to introduce the situation to Tang Sanzang and his disciples.

"If Buddhism is meant to universally save people, then the so-called universal salvation implies impartiality. If those who believe in Buddhism receive protection, while those who do not are abandoned,

then isn't this treating people and society with different levels of respect? Doesn't this contradict the very tenets that Buddhism promotes?"

Zhu Bajie also raised a questioning point to Guanyin.

It wasn't that Tang Sanzang and his disciples were deliberately nitpicking, but rather that the prosperous state of Jinping Prefecture was truly peculiar.

There were simply too many suspicious and questionable aspects, compelling Tang Sanzang and his disciples to overthink.

"Enough, your questions are becoming excessive, and they are all based on your own speculations, reflecting your shallow understanding of Buddhist cultivation.

The prosperous era is right before your eyes, so why must you find fault? Is there something wrong with the people being affluent and the era being peaceful?"