Only with sincerity can you obtain the true scriptures, and to conquer demons and monsters requires magic power.

This is a couplet in the former residence of Wu Chengen, the author of "Journey to the West". It vividly embodies the spirit of the characters in "Journey to the West": subduing monsters with courage and obtaining the true scriptures with sincerity. The former residence of Wu Chengen, a world cultural celebrity, is located at the southern end of Datong Lane, Hexia, northwest of Huai'an City. It consists of four parts: Wu Chengen's former residence, Wu Chengen's Life Exhibition Hall, Monkey King Family Art Museum, and Enlightenment Garden.

This couplet was written by Xiao Xian, a famous female calligrapher and disciple of Kang Youwei. The meaning of this couplet has gone far beyond the original intention of "Journey to the West". It reveals to people the true meaning of the world: "Victory over victory" Evil depends on strength, success depends on perseverance.”

Extended information:

"Journey to the West" is the first romantic chapter-length novel about gods and demons in ancient China. None of the 100-chapter editions of "Journey to the West" published in the Ming Dynasty are signed by the author. Qing Dynasty scholar Wu Yuqi and others first proposed that the author of "Journey to the West" was Wu Cheng'en of the Ming Dynasty. This novel is based on the historical event of "Tang Monk's Study for Buddhist Scriptures". Through the author's artistic processing, it profoundly depicts the social reality at that time.

The whole book mainly describes that after Sun Wukong was born and caused havoc in the Heavenly Palace, he met Tang Monk, Zhu Bajie and Sha Seng, traveled westward to obtain Buddhist scriptures, subjugated demons along the way, experienced ninety-nine and eighty-one difficulties, and finally reached the Western Heaven. The story of meeting Tathagata Buddha and finally the Five Saints came true.

Baidu Encyclopedia-Wu Chengen’s Former Residence

Baidu Encyclopedia-Journey to the West