After the temple construction was complete, Emperor Taizong was greatly pleased. Immediately, he gathered various officials and announced a call for monks to participate in a grand Water and Land Dharma Assembly intended to offer salvation to lonely souls in the netherworld.

The decree spread throughout the country, instructing local officials to select virtuous and learned monks to convene in Chang'an for the assembly.

Within a matter of months, monks from all over the realm had gathered.

Emperor Taizong issued an order for the Chief Astrologer, Fu Yi, to oversee the selection of these eminent monks and the arrangements for the Buddhist event.

Upon receiving this order, Fu Yi submitted a memorial, advising against extravagant displays and arguing that true Buddhism was not about ostentation.

The memorial reads as follows:

"The customs of the Western Regions lack the concepts of ruler and subject, father and son. They follow the paths of three realms and six destinies, swayed by misleading and foolish ideas. They pursue atonement for past sins and seek future blessings by chanting foreign incantations, hoping to escape their fate.

Life and death, longevity and early demise, are all governed by natural laws. The balance of rewards and punishments is in the hands of the ruler. However, I've heard that many commoners now attribute everything to Buddhism. There was no mention of Buddhism from the time of the Five Emperors and Three Sovereigns. A just ruler and loyal subjects lead to a prosperous and enduring dynasty.

Even during the reign of Emperor Ming of the Han Dynasty, when the worship of foreign deities began, it was mostly confined to the transmission of teachings by the Sangharama Sect from the Western Regions. This was an intrusion of foreign practices into China and should not be taken seriously."

Upon hearing this, Emperor Taizong tossed the memorial to his ministers for discussion.

Prime Minister Xiao Yu stepped forward and submitted his opinion at that moment. "The rise of Buddhism has occurred repeatedly in past dynasties, promoting goodness and curbing evil, offering hidden assistance to the country. It's a doctrine that shouldn't be discarded. Buddhism represents wisdom and virtue. Without the teachings of the wise, there's no moral guidance. I propose that we uphold strict laws to support it."

Fu Yi engaged in a debate with Xiao Yu. "Our rituals are centered around serving one's parents and serving the ruler. Yet, Buddhism encourages leaving one's family to become a monk, defying both parents and sovereign. It's like a commoner challenging an emperor, undermining the family structure. Xiao Yu may not have been raised under a mulberry tree, but he follows a teaching that disregards the importance of parents. It's as the saying goes, 'Without filial piety, there's no family bond.'"

Xiao Yu simply joined his palms together and said, "The creation of hell is meant precisely for people like him."

Emperor Taizong summoned the Minister of the Imperial Household, Zhang Dao Yuan, and the Prefect of the Palace Writers, Zhang Shi Heng. Then, he inquired about the merits of Buddhism and the accumulation of blessings. He asked how they should respond to it.

The two officials replied, "Buddhism promotes purity, kindness, and compassion, embodying the true essence of emptiness. Emperor Zhouwu divided the three teachings, and Great Sage Chan Master Huineng's wisdom shone through various offerings. Fifth Patriarch Huineng's reincarnation and Bodhidharma's appearance are well-known stories. Throughout history, it's widely regarded that the three esteemed teachings cannot be destroyed or abandoned."

They all knelt down and respectfully made their request to the Emperor.

Taizong was greatly pleased and said, "Your words make sense. If there's anything else you'd like to propose, please share it."

Then, the emperor instructed Wei Zheng, Xiao Yu, and Zhang Dao Yuan to invite various Buddhist monks and select someone with great virtue to be the leader of the ceremony, establishing a place for practicing Buddhism. After expressing their gratitude, everyone left.

From that point on, a new law was enacted: anyone who slandered monks or disparaged Buddhism would have their arm severed.

The next day, three court officials gathered with a group of monks at the sacred altar in the mountains. They carefully examined and evaluated each one, seeking a monk of great virtue. Can you guess who they chose?

Golden cicada in name, the wise one's call,

Unwittingly listens to Buddha's truth, tall.

Amidst earthly trials, its path unfurls,

Birth amidst chaos, ensnared by worldly whirls.

Born into turmoil, ill omens did rise,

Evil factions lurking, before his own eyes.

Father, a scholar from Hai's revered coast,

Grandfather, a general in the imperial host.

Under River Star's bane, fate's binding hand,

He sailed life's waves, through both sea and land.

Destined for greatness, in mountain's embrace,

A monk nurtured him, his destiny to trace.

At eighteen, he sought his birth mother's gaze,

To capital's heart, his steps found their ways.

Led armies in conquest, his valor did shine,

A laureate's essence, a reunion divine.

Hailed by the sovereign, in glory he stands,

Lingering echoes through Wisdom's grand lands.

Declining high office, monk's robes he embraced,

A sage named Xuanzang, his new path he traced.

On that day, they presented the venerable Master Xuanzang to the gathering.

This person had been a monk since childhood, embracing a life of abstinence and ordination from an early age. His maternal grandfather was none other than the prominent official Yin Kaishan of the current dynasty. His father, Chen Guangrui, achieved the top honors in the imperial examinations and held the esteemed position of Grand Scholar in the Hall of Literary Profundity. Yet, he was not enamored by fame and luxury; his heart was set on pursuing enlightenment and tranquility. Everyone agreed that he possessed a strong foundation and impeccable virtue. He was well-versed in countless scriptures and texts, and his understanding spanned a vast spectrum. His chanting of Buddhist scriptures resembled celestial melodies. There is nothing he can't do.

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The three ministers appeared before the emperor, kicking up dust with their dance. After praising their choice, they announced, "We, Xiao Yu, Wei Zheng, and Zhang Dao Yuan, have been granted the honor of selecting a highly respected monk named Chen Xuanzang, as per your divine decree."

Upon hearing the name, Emperor Taizong pondered and asked, "Is this the son of Scholar Chen Guangrui, named Xuanzang?"

Jiangliu bowed and replied, "Indeed, Your Majesty."

Emperor Taizong smiled and said, "You've chosen well, and it is indeed Xuanzang, a monk of virtue and deep meditation. I bestow upon you the rank Sangharaja, granting you the responsibility of overseeing the Water and Land Dharma Assembly as the nation's spiritual leader."

Xuanzang bowed deeply to express his gratitude, accepting the prestigious position.

Additionally, he was bestowed a brilliantly woven multicolored kasaya robe and a symbolic hat. He was instructed to continue his devotion to the Buddhist path and to lead the assembly of monks with dedication and wisdom. Then, he should proceed to the Great Rebirth Monastery as planned and choose an auspicious date to commence the preaching of scriptures and teachings.

Xuanzang bowed once more to acknowledge the decree and left.

Immediately, Xuanzang went to the Great Rebirth Monastery to prepare for the event. First, he gathered twelve hundred venerable monks, categorized into three levels: senior, middle, and junior. Then he put them to work, crafting meditation platforms, adorning the premises with worthy offerings, and arranging musical instruments. All necessary items were meticulously placed in front of the Buddha altars, ensuring order and proper arrangement.

After careful selection, Xuanzang chose the auspicious date of the third day of September in the current year because a celestial alignment marked it as favorable. On this day, a grand seven-week Water and Land Dharma Assembly would commence, spanning forty-nine days.

When everything was prepared, he submitted an official report to the emperor for approval.

Emperor Taizong and the civil and military officials, royal relatives, and noble families agreed to attend the assembly as scheduled. They would participate in incense offerings and listen to the teachings. A poem was composed to commemorate the event.

In era Zhenguan, thirteen candles aglow,

Royal proclamation, Dharma's truths to bestow.

A realm of teachings, boundless and grand,

Mystical clouds, like vows, expand.

By Imperial order, grace gently rains,

Temples adorned, sacredness ingrains.

Golden cicada, shedding its old guise,

Reborn in the west, where wisdom lies.

Spreading good deeds, transcending the deep,

Echoing teachings, their promises keep.

Past and future united, wisdom's stream,

Universal love, like a radiant dream.

In the thirteenth year of the Zhenguan era, under the zodiac sign of the Earth Snake, on the third day of ninth month, during the auspicious time of the Water Rabbit, the Sangharaja Xuanzang gathered an assembly of twelve hundred eminent monks at the Great Rebirth Monastery in Chang'an City. They came together to perform the teachings of various exquisite scriptures. After the emperor's early morning court session, he led a procession of civil and military officials, riding in the imperial phoenix carriage. Departing from the Golden Phoenix Hall, they made their way to the monastery to offer incense. How magnificent was the sight of this grand procession?

On a day filled with auspicious energy, radiant with blessings, the gentle breeze carried an air of kindness while the sun shone brighter than ever.

Thousands of officials adorned with accessories, arranged in orderly rows ahead and behind, held golden staffs and ceremonial axes. They walked in pairs through a path lined on both sides with banners of the Five Military Divisions. A magnificent sight indeed.

The red silk lanterns and the fragrant incense burners added to the scene's grandeur. Dragons soared, phoenixes danced, and eagles soared high.

The wise and virtuous emperor stood at the center, surrounded by loyal ministers. The blessings spanned a thousand years, surpassing the times of Shun and Yu, and the era of tranquility rivaled Yao and Tang's.

One could also see elegant parasols and rolling dragon robes, their brilliance intertwining and jade-linked chains and colorful phoenix fans, their auspiciousness fluttering in the air. Adorned with pearl crowns and golden belts, distinguished by purple sashes and gold insignias, a procession of a thousand guards flanked the imperial carriage on both sides.

The emperor, immersed in the sacred reverence for Buddha, embraced the joy of offering incense and seeking virtuous blessings.

As the Emperor of Tang arrived at the temple with great grandeur, the musicians paused their melodies. After stepping down from the royal carriage, he approached the Buddha to offer incense, accompanied by his officials. After three respectful bows, he admired the splendid dais before him. It was a sight to behold:

The banners danced in the breeze, painting the sky with vibrant colors; the canopies shone brilliantly, reflecting sunlight like streaks of red lightning.

The golden image of the World-Honored One was majestic, while the jade-like countenance of the Arhats exuded strength. Vases held celestial flowers, and censers emitted the fragrance of sandalwood. Ethereal blossoms adorned the vases and the censers burned with a gentle smoky haze that pierced the clear sky.

Fresh fruits and offerings lay on red trays, and exquisite candies formed colorful displays. Accomplished monks lined up, reciting scriptures earnestly, aiming to release lost souls from suffering.

Emperor Taizong and his officials all took incense and bowed before the golden statue of the Buddha, paying their respects and also paid homage to the Arhats. They then witnessed Sangharaja Chen Xuanzang leading the assembly of monks to bow before Emperor Tang. After the formalities, everyone took their designated meditation seats. The Sangharaja presented a scroll titled "Salvation of the Lost" to Emperor Taizong. The scroll read:

In the realm of boundless virtue, the path of Zen transcends all boundaries. Its serene purity and profound insight flow through the vast expanse of the Three Realms. It manifests in countless transformations, harmonizing the dualities of Yin and Yang. Its essence and application embody the eternal truth, reaching the limitless ultimate.

Behold those solitary souls, deserving of deep compassion. Thus, in accordance with the sacred decree of Emperor Taizong, a gathering of esteemed monks is chosen to engage in the practice of meditation and the expounding of the Dharma. The gates of skillful means are flung wide open, and the vessel of boundless compassion navigates the expansive sea of suffering, liberating sentient beings from the abyss of the Six Realms.

Guiding them towards the path of true realization, they revel in the vastness of the ethereal mist. In both movement and stillness, they embody non-action, merging into the pure simplicity of existence. Relying on this virtuous cause, they seek the rewards of the Crystal Palace and the Purple Courtyard, riding the waves of their victorious assembly, breaking free from the entanglements of earthly existence.

Swiftly ascending to the ultimate bliss, they wander freely and unhindered, traversing to the Western Realm with boundless ease. There, they move and abide in harmony with their inherent nature, liberated from the fetters of worldly suffering.

The poem says:

One censer, everlasting life's grace,

Sacred scrolls unfold, souls embrace.

Boundless teachings, wondrously told,

Heaven's boundless blessings, manifold.

Injustices dissolved, grievances fade,

Liberated souls from shadows unswayed.

May our nation thrive, in peace reside,

Countless blessings, far and wide.

The scene of the evening passed with the night. The next morning, the Sangharaja once again took his seat and gathered the assembly to recite scriptures.