Journey West

Auspicious Light streamed in a thousand rays, golden lotuses sprang from the earth, brahma sounds rang out in waves, and heavenly maidens scattered flowers.

Guanyin Bodhisattva revealed his true form. The citizens of Chang'an City who witnessed this divine miracle all fell to their knees, as did the high officials, nobles, and royal kin.

Li Shimin, even more so, reverently burned incense and knelt, gazing upon the Bodhisattva's sacred countenance.

Guanyin Bodhisattva stood upon a Lotus Platform, with an auspicious cloud beneath it and a wheel of golden Buddhist radiance behind his head.

With this divine miracle before them and the chance to behold the legendary Bodhisattva's true appearance, everyone in Chang'an City was overwhelmed with excitement and fervor.

After all, most of Chang'an City's people were now followers of Buddhism. To witness a living Bodhisattva reveal himself with their own eyes was an immeasurable shock to them.

What was more, this Bodhisattva was Guanyin Bodhisattva, the one who most often manifested in the world to save those in suffering and whom all regarded as the most compassionate of Bodhisattvas.

Guanyin Bodhisattva stood high in the skies and said, "Xuanzang, your heart is filled with compassion. You may become the pilgrim who seeks the scriptures. Go to the Western Heavens and obtain the Threefold Canon, then bring it back to the Eastern Land to save all living beings."

Xuanzang was overjoyed and respectfully said, "Many thanks, Bodhisattva."

Then Guanyin extended a finger, and a ray of light fell upon Xuanzang.

The tattered kasaya on his body suddenly emitted countless seven-colored rays. When the radiance faded, it had become a Purple-Gold Kasaya.

The ordinary wooden staff in his hand also transformed into a Nine-Ring Cane.

"My Buddha sent me to seek one who would obtain the scriptures. He once said that