从“莲花洞故事”看《西游记》的“空”思想

On the Concept of“Kong”from the Story of Lotus Cave in the Book of Journey to the West

《西游记》中的莲花洞故事是其中比较特别的一个。对于该故事发生的前前后后,文本交代得非常清楚,而且情节曲折、转换不断。从宝贝的出现到被太上老君收回,事情的本原始末通过"五件宝贝"贯穿始终。五件宝贝的关键作用、前后文字的照应以及《心经》的预言这三个方面完整体现了"空"的思想。当然,这种"空"的思想也是《西游记》复杂思想体系中重要的组成部分。

The story of Lotus Cave is a very special one in the book of Journey to the West. It is a whole story that has a detailed beginning and end, while the storyline is tortuous and motive. The story was penetrated by five precious from their appearance till the end that they were regained by Tai-shang-lao-jun, who told the very truth of the whole thing. The key role that the five precious played, the whole context and the prediction of Xin-jing are all explanation of the concept of Kong. Of course, this concept of ＂Kong＂ is one of the most important conceptions in the book of Journey to the West.