Elder Jinchi
With empty hands, he preached, yet gold was his quest, He left no wealth, just doctrines to attest. A life of greed, his doom was sealed tight, If deeds were weighed, would he still face his plight?
After two months of peace, Tang Monk reined in his horse. He saw towers and halls nestled deep in the fold of the mountains. At the gate of the place, they saw that it was indeed a temple.
The master and his disciple exchanged greetings before passing through the mountain gate. In the main hall, they saw the name of the place: "Guanyin Temple". Tang Monk was overjoyed, but Monkey said, "Master, this is no good place. Better to leave soon." But the monk wouldn't listen. He knelt before every golden statue he saw in prayer, and the monkey, impatient with his master's attitude, began to strike the bell incessantly, startling all the monks in the temple. Those from the upper and lower halls all poured out.
The monks greeted Tang Monk. Monkey used his See-through Eyes to look around and laughed, "Why do you monks here look so sickly and Weak, with your spirits drained? Have you broken the precepts?"" In Tang Monk's perception, the monks all wore brand-new kasayas and had tall, sturdy bodies. He considered Monkey's words to be mere nonsense and remarked, "Don't speak so recklessly." Then, he turned to apologize to the monks. The monks themselves regarded Monkey's words as nonsense as well. Only two small monks, hidden in the crowd, dared not reveal themselves.
The Elder of the temple invited the master and disciple to the back chamber for tea. After the monks had taken their seats and the feast was laid out, the two small monks assisted the elderly monk inside. Tang Monk bowed respectfully. The two exchanged a few pleasantries, and Tang Monk inquired, "May I ask about your esteemed age, venerable elder?" The old monk replied, "Despite my many mistakes, I have lived to see my two hundred and seventieth year." When Monkey heard this, he laughed and said, "Old skinflint! Why do I smell yaoguai in this temple?" The old monk did not answer. Tang Monk hastened to interject, "This disciple of mine can be somewhat unruly at times. Please, do not take offense."
A small monk was just then using an exquisite vessel to pour three cups of fragrant tea for them. Monkey stared at him and said, "Where are you from, little monk?" The small monk set down the tea and swiftly hid behind the old monk. Biting his finger, he said, "This one has a furry face and a strange head. He's a bit scary."
Tang Monk glanced at Monkey and said, "Mind your words! Don't offend people with your brashness!" He then shifted the conversation by praising the tea and the vessels.
The old monk didn't seem to mind. Instead, he asked Tang Monk, "Noble sir, hailing from the Emperor's capital, might you have any treasures that you could lend me for a mere glimpse?"
Tang Monk declined repeatedly, but Monkey laughed and said, "Master, isn't your kasaya itself a treasure? Why not allow him a glimpse? All the monks laughed. Then they brought out twelve cases of kasayas, unfurled them, and hung them up for Tang Monk to see. But Monkey laughed and said, "Very well, very well. Put them away. Bring ours out for a look too."
Tang Monk grabbed Monkey and tried hard to stop him, but Monkey said, "Do not fret! Do not fret! I know what I'm doing!" Without more words, he took out the kasaya for the monks to see. As the old monk gazed upon such a wonder, his spirit was touched. He walked up to Tang Monk and knelt with tears in his eyes. "This humble monk is verily bereft of fortune. My eyes are dim and clouded. I cannot see it clearly."
Monkey laughed again and said, "And how do you intend to inspect it clearly?" The old monk replied,"If you would be so kind and trusting, allow me to take it to the back chamber and study it carefully overnight. I shall return it to you tomorrow morning before your departure. May I know your thoughts on this?"
Upon hearing this, Tang Monk was startled and chided Monkey. Monkey laughed and said, "What are you afraid of? Let him take it for a look. If anything goes wrong, I'll handle it."
