Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction 1-2 | Page 182

Sutra of the Heart
Diocesan Girls' Junior School, Wong, Po Ying Emily - 10
A
fter thirteen harsh, long years of searching for the holy scriptures, they had finally reached the
Western Paradise. Before them stood a majestic temple of pure platinum that glittered as if it were
made of all the stars in the sky. The travellers, Xuanzang, Monkey, Pigsy, and Sandy, gaped in
wonder, eyes bulging out of their heads. They glanced at one another, each waiting for the others to say
something.
“I will go and make sure it’s safe for Master to go in.” Monkey finally said, “And don’t worry, I’ll be
fine….as always!”
Monkey strode confidently into the temple, lowering his head so he looked respectful, but his insides were
screaming, “Look up!” At last, curiosity got the best of him. Monkey glanced up and gasped; the temple
was magnificent! Flowing tapestries hung on the platinum walls; under his feet laid a bright red carpet. “ For
me ?” Monkey thought. He walked down the aisle and up the flight of stairs. Then, right before his eyes
was none other than the great Buddha himself.
“Great Buddha,” Monkey kneeled and bowed, “I have come to collect the holy scriptures.”
“O Great Sage of Heaven’s Equal,” Buddha had a look of gladness on his face as he said, “you are indeed
the most eminent being in the world. I see you already know the Seventy-Two-Changes and the Ten-
Thousand-Mile-Somersault. If it weren’t for your slow companions, you could have made it here much
sooner!”
“Oh, finally someone appreciates me!” Monkey grinned.
“Oh yes, you were so kind to escort Xuanzang here. They would never have made it here without you.
As a reward, I am making you the next Jade Emperor. You seem capable enough!” Buddha said.
Monkey nodded eagerly in agreement. He was on cloud nine, floating away. “I’ve been waiting for that
old dweeb to retire!” he added.
“Now you go along into the throne room. Your new throne is waiting for you.” Buddha said.
Without much modesty, Monkey obliged. He stepped behind the door and a delighted chuckle was heard.
Meanwhile, the others were getting anxious. “Monkey has been inside for too long,” Pigsy paced back and
forth until he couldn’t take it anymore. “I’ll go see what’s happening.” as he trotted up and into the temple.
Pigsy was amazed by its splendour. He could also smell some heavenly food wisping from somewhere in the
temple. He closed his eyes to take in the delicious aroma. As his stomach began to growl, he opened his
eyes and there stood the Great Buddha.
“Ahh!” Pigsy screamed, and calmed down when he realized it was Buddha. “Sorry for that,” Pigsy
mumbled sheepishly. “Great Buddha, I have come to collect the holy scriptures.”
“Oh, Pigsy,” Buddha said kindly, “you must be exhausted after such an arduous journey.”
“Oh yeah! My whole body is aching and my legs are wobbly as tofu.” Pigsy added.
Buddha replied with sympathy, “I have prepared a feast for you in the banquet room, with all kinds of
heavenly food.”
“Yes, I could smell that!” Pigsy said greedily, grinning from ear to ear.
“After dinner, the servants will escort you to your resting chamber. While you have your beauty sleep, I
shall speak to your master.”
At that point, Pigsy had forgotten all about Monkey and the scriptures. He could only follow the delectable
aroma straight to the banquet room.
Outside, Sandy could wait no more and charged into the temple. He was in such a rage he did not notice
the smell of food nor the splendor of the place.
Without any greetings, “Where are Pigsy and Monkey?” Sandy demanded when he saw Buddha.
“They are fine.” Buddha reassured Sandy.
Calmed by Buddha’s reply, Sandy continued, “I’ve come to collect the holy scriptures.”
Buddha smiled warmly, “I have always regarded you as the best of Xuanzang’s disciples! You are so
earnest…”
Before he could finish, Sandy interrupted, “I always strive to be the best that I can be, always listening to
Master’s teaching and trying to attain the highest virtues, always!”
“I know,” Buddha replied. ”That’s why I have just the perfect reward for you. There is a sacred stream
behind the temple. Its water flows from none but the Heaven Mountain itself. Bathe in it and you will
cleanse not only your body but also your soul. And you shall become the purest monk of all, with the most
superior of characters”.