Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction 1-2 | Page 183

Sandy’s eyes lit up, “That’s just what I’ve been striving for!” Without saying goodbye, he charged out to the
stream the same way he charged in.
As none of his disciples were in sight, Xuanzang calmly decided to enter the temple himself. Though he
noticed the decorations and the scent of delicious food, he was neither impressed nor distracted. Seeing
Buddha, Xuanzang simply greeted, “Great Buddha.”
“Xuanzang, you have travelled tirelessly with your companions, enduring such hardship. You deserve the
greatest rewards of all. You shall rule over the Jade Emperor. You shall have all the pleasures of the world.
Moreover, I shall bless you with the highest of virtues.”
“I wish for neither power nor pleasure, and not even virtues.” Xuanzang replied calmly, ”I seek only for the
truth and to bring it back to my people.”
Upon these words, Buddha simply smiled. With a blinding flash, the temple faded away along with
Buddha. Monkey, Pigsy, and Sandy reappeared, as if having just woken from a dream.
“What’s going on?” Pigsy said in a daze.
Before Xuanzang could response, a single voice came from the heavens, “I am pleased with you, Xuanzang.
You have proven yourself to be worthy. The truth you seek is indeed in your heart.”
Upon that, Xuanzang smiled and prostrated, thanking Buddha for his affirmation.
“But what about the scriptures?” Monkey exclaimed.
“Scriptures are only words,” explained Xuanzang, “Words that tell stories to help us see the truth. But the
truth is not in the scriptures. The truth is in our hearts.”