Session 28: Emperor Taizong Promotes Good Deeds After Touring the Underworld
- liz zhang
- Aug 4
- 2 min read
In this session, we witness Emperor Taizong—after returning from his extraordinary journey through the underworld—actively promoting virtue and justice in his empire. He issues several compassionate decrees: postponing the execution of criminals, releasing 3,000 palace women to marry into the military, and calling for a volunteer to deliver pumpkins to the underworld. A man named Liu Quan answers the call, leading to an astonishing turn in his fate and that of his deceased wife.
Session Focus:
We will explore why such a significant portion of the story is dedicated to Emperor Taizong’s transformation and how this narrative contributes to the broader themes of Journey to the West.
Key Questions for contemplation:
Q1. What is the Wheel of the Six Paths of Being?
What universal law governs it?
Q2. What decrees did Emperor Taizong issue upon returning to life, and why?
Which one impressed you the most and why?
"Great are Heaven and Earth;
Sun and Moon shine clearly.
Although the universe is vast,
Earth and sky have no room for evil plots.
If you use your wits and skill to cheat people,
You will get retribution in this life;
If you are good at giving and ask for little,
You are sure to find a reward before your future life.
A thousand cunning plans
Cannot compare with living according to one's lot;
Ten thousand kinds of robbers
Are no match for those who live frugally and accept their fate.
If you are good and merciful in thought and deed,
What need is there to bother to read the scriptures?
If your mind is full of malice towards others,
To read the whole of the Buddha's canon would be a waste of time."
Q3. How do you interpret the imperial notice posted across the empire?
What was its message, and how did it affect the people?
Q4. Who responded to the call to deliver pumpkins to the underworld, and why did he volunteer to die?
Q5. What miraculous events happened to Liu Quan and his late wife in the underworld?
Q6. Why are Chapters 10 and 11 focused on Emperor Taizong’s journey?
What significance does he hold in the Journey to the West?
I am Chuan, living in Prague of Czech Republic.
“Do good and good will come to you.”
Many people have heard this saying, but hearing it is not the same as living it, and knowing it is not the same as truly understanding its meaning. After all, everyone has a different definition of “good.”
Emperor Taizong of Tang unified China and laid the foundation for the prosperity of the Tang dynasty. On the surface, this seems like a great “good” — it brought peace and stability to the realm. Yet behind this achievement were years of war and countless deaths. How many soldiers died on the battlefield? How many families were torn apart?
When Emperor Taizong’s soul went to the…