Session 31: Xuanzang’s Vow to Retrieve the Great Vehicle Scriptures

At a grand mass where Xuanzang is preaching the doctrine of the Little Vehicle (Hinayana), the Bodhisattva Guanyin and her disciple Moksa appear and challenge his limited teachings. Upon learning of the Great Vehicle (Mahayana) scriptures held in the Thunder Monastery in India, Xuanzang is deeply moved and vows to fetch them for the salvation of all beings, no matter the cost.

Session Focus:

We will explore the distinction between the Little Vehicle (Hinayana) and the Great Vehicle (Mahayana). Why is Xuanzang so determined to fulfill this sacred mission? What does it say about his character and calling?

Key Questions for contemplation:

Q1. Why did Guanyin and Moksa attend Xuanzang’s mass?

On hearing these questions, delighted Xuanzang leapt down from the preaching dais, bowed to the Bodhisattva, and said, "Venerable teacher, your disciple has sinned grievously in failing to recognize you. We monks who stand before you only preach the law of the Little Vehicle, and we know nothing of the doctrine of the Great Vehicle."

Q2. How do you interpret Xuanzang’s reaction when Guanyin challenges him?

The Bodhisattva Guanyin said, ”That doctrine of the Little Vehicle of yours will never bring the dead to rebirth; it's only good enough for a vulgar sort of enlightenment. Now I have the Three Stores of the Buddha's Law of the Great Vehicle that will raise the dead up to Heaven, deliver sufferers from their torments, and free souls from the eternal coming and going."

Q3. What do the terms "Little Vehicle" and "Great Vehicle" mean to you?

How do they differ in purpose and audience?

How does the Great Vehicle relate to the Ten Realms (from our last Deep Dive)?

Q4. Where are the Three Stores of the Buddha’s Law of the Great Vehicle?

"Your Majesty," Xuanzang said, "I have no virtue or talent that fits me for the sacred honour of being treated as your kinsman. On this journey I shall give my all and go straight to the Western Heaven. If I fail to reach there or to obtain the true scriptures, then I shall not return to this country even in death, and shall fall for eternity into Hell." He burned incense in front of the Buddha to mark this vow.

Q5. How do you understand Xuanzang’s vow?

What is the purpose and power of making a vow?

What famous vows made by Bodhisattvas (e.g., Kṣitigarbha, Guanyin) have inspired you?

What does it mean to take a vow so seriously that you declare you’ll fall into hell if you fail?

Thanking the Emperor for his kindness, Xuanzang accepted the cup of wine with the words, "Your Majesty, liquor is the first of the things from which a monk must abstain, and so I have never drunk it.” "Today's journey is exceptional," Taizong replied, "and besides, this is a nonalcoholic wine, so you should drink this cup and let us feel that we have seen you off properly."

Q6. What do you take from the wine conversation between Xuanzang and Emperor Taizong?