Sanzang

Sanzang, also known as Tripitaka, is a central figure in the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West. He is a Buddhist monk tasked with journeying to the West, specifically to India, to retrieve sacred Buddhist scriptures. The narrative follows his perilous adventure, accompanied by three powerful disciples: Sun Wukong (the Monkey King), Zhu Bajie (Pigsy), and Sha Wujing (Sandy).

Despite his spiritual mission, Sanzang is often portrayed as a mortal man with human frailties. He is generally depicted as kind, compassionate, and devout, but also somewhat naive, easily frightened, and prone to scolding his disciples. His vegetarian diet and his unwavering commitment to his Buddhist vows are recurring themes.

Throughout the journey, Sanzang is a target for various demons and monsters who seek to eat his flesh, believing it will grant them immortality. His disciples, particularly the resourceful Sun Wukong, are responsible for protecting him and overcoming these obstacles. The dynamic between the compassionate but vulnerable Sanzang and his powerful, often unruly, disciples forms a significant part of the novel's appeal.

The character of Sanzang is based on the historical Buddhist monk Xuanzang, who traveled from China to India in the 7th century CE to collect Buddhist texts. While the novel draws inspiration from Xuanzang's pilgrimage, it fictionalizes many aspects, transforming the historical journey into a fantastical adventure filled with mythological creatures and supernatural events. Sanzang's character embodies the arduous but ultimately rewarding pursuit of enlightenment.