Introduction
The reason why "Journey to the West" can become one of the Four Great Classical Novels is not because of its fantastic and rich story plot, but because the theme of "the journey to obtain scriptures" is a common theme for all of us. Seeking scriptures is equivalent to seeking truth, and the ninety-nine difficulties on this journey represent the various challenges in life. Therefore, when the scene of the "journey to obtain scriptures" appears in a dream, we must pay attention to it, as it may reflect the development of our life path.
Dream:
In my dream, I saw the four disciples from "Journey to the West" turned into skeletons. Tang Sanzang died on a stone in the mountains, Sun Wukong's remains were filled with anger, Zhu Bajie was in a cave, and Sha Wujing died standing next to a tree.
There was also a person wearing a black robe, with a golden hoop on his head and gray-white long hair. I felt that he was both demonic and a highly accomplished monk.
I watched as the person in the black robe pressed his scriptures on the scripture stand and died. There were many books with blue covers on the table, neatly arranged. He gently lay on the scriptures, perhaps unwilling to damage his books.
Analysis:
This dream is filled with a sense of death, but the ending also gives a hint of sadness. If the journey to obtain scriptures is equivalent to the journey of life, then what has Xiaqian experienced in his life to create such a tragic scene?
Before analyzing Xiaqian's life, we need to grasp a breakthrough point, which is the most important aspect in Xiaqian's dream and also what he has been pursuing in his life. If life is equivalent to the journey to obtain scriptures, then this thing naturally refers to the scriptures.
As we all know, the destination of the four disciples' journey to obtain scriptures is the Great Thunder Monastery, and the scriptures are in the hands of the Buddha. The reason why the Buddha can become a Buddha is because he possesses the truth of the world. Having the truth can save sentient beings and free them from suffering. The truth is written in the scriptures, which is the only hope that can save Xiaqian from the sadness, pain, and oppression in his life. He needs an answer.
So who is Xiaqian's Buddha? To find this answer, we need to start with the image of the "Buddha." Although the Buddha did not appear in the dream, the four disciples and the scriptures have already laid the foundation for his position. The Buddha gives us the impression of being sacred and inviolable. He is beyond the mortal realm, the embodiment of rules, power, authority, belief, and system.
In real life, who is the person who teaches us rules, gives us strength, possesses authority, and is irreplaceable in our hearts? Yes, it is Xiaqian's father. The irresistible power of patriarchy, absolute authority, and the creator of rules determine Xiaqian's life. Whether it is in the original family or in the patriarchal social system, Xiaqian's life has always experienced various hardships within the framework set by his father.
To verify this, I need to explore Xiaqian's relationship with his father during his childhood, which is the most critical period for the formation of his personality. What kind of picture is hidden behind the door of destiny?
I tried to ask Xiaqian about his relationship with his father. His expression seemed indifferent, but the hidden emotions could still be perceived.
"I don't have much affection for him, it has always been like this since I was young. Whenever I made a mistake, he would beat me, sometimes even without any reason, and then ask if I did something wrong. The feeling of childhood was either quarrels or beatings. Even if I was bullied and told him about it, I would still be beaten. Once, I didn't say anything and was falsely accused by someone else. I knew it wasn't my fault, but I still got beaten." Xiaqian recalled while speaking. Towards the end, his eyes became slightly red, filled with anger.
Seeing him like this, three words suddenly popped into my mind: Sun Wukong! Yes, the angry and dead Sun Wukong in the dream is him. To confirm this, I asked Xiaqian, "Do you know how the four disciples died in the dream?"
Xiaqian replied, "I don't know how they died or how long they have been dead. But I can feel that all four of them made mistakes."
Thus, the truth of the dream has become clear. Not only Sun Wukong, but the four disciples are all part of Xiaqian's inner personality traits. The suppression from his father during his childhood, whether guilty or innocent, lasted for such a long time that Xiaqian has forgotten how he gradually lost himself in the torment.
What kind of painful experience is this? Clues can be seen from the remains of the four disciples. Tang Sanzang represents a part of Xiaqian that longs for love. The stone symbolizes his father's indifference, the loss of love, and only a heart of stone remains. Sun Wukong represents Xiaqian's mischievous nature, full of energy and self-confidence. Unfortunately, he was mercilessly killed, and the resentful look in his eyes expresses his anger. Zhu Bajie is naturally optimistic and carefree, but he has become a punching bag for others. He can only hide in his own cave to avoid harm. Xiaqian's experience of being bullied and falsely accused by his father is the memory of being hurt, just like Zhu Bajie. Xiaqian also told me that in the eyes of others, he seems carefree, but who knows the hidden sadness in the depths of the cave? Sha Wujing represents honesty and diligence, but the stubbornness in his death still stands. Sha Wujing relying on a big tree also shows Xiaqian's soft side. Even in stubbornness, he still longs for a rooted strength to rely on. The power that can truly take root and thrive in people's hearts can only be given by paternal love, just like the resilience, strength, self-reliance, and self-improvement of a big tree.
And then, there is the black-robed monk, who is the closest to the answer. With a golden hoop on his head, gray-white long hair, he is both righteous and evil. This is undoubtedly Xiaqian himself. The restraint of the golden hoop is the constant reminder of "knowing right from wrong" that surrounds his ears. This spiritual restraint makes Xiaqian feel the aging of fate and the powerlessness to face everything. The conflict of righteousness and evil fills Xiaqian's heart. The suppressed anger in his heart is like the monkey in "The Legend of Sun Wukong" who defies fate. Is he a demon? Are those self-righteous heavenly gods truly holy? What is the answer to self-redemption? Xiaqian cherishes these scriptures so much, but in the end, he couldn't live his own life.
These remaining skeletons are like Xiaqian's exhausted and tired body, reflecting the tragic life he has experienced. Perhaps there is already an answer to this sorrowful life. Xiaqian has been searching for his true self throughout his life: the self that should receive love, the self that is lively and confident, the self that is healthy and happy, and the self that is independent and self-reliant.
This may not be the answer for Xiaqian alone. Each of us is searching and longing for redemption in our life journey. When you know the answer, you suddenly look back and all the experiences become clear. Have you found yourself?