As we all know that the Four Classical Works are the classic works in the history of Chinese literature and are the world’s precious cultural heritage. The status of these four masterpieces in the history of Chinese literature is very important They all have a very high literary level and artistic achievement. It has deeply influenced the Chinese people’s ideology and value orientation. It can be described as the four great monuments in the history of Chinese literature.
The one we are introducing today is “Journey to the West “(Chinese: 西遊記; pinyin: Xī Yóu Jì), The novel is an extended account of the legendary pilgrimage of the Tang dynasty Buddhist monk Xuanzang, who traveled to the “Western Regions” (Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent) to obtain Buddhist sacred texts (sūtras) and returned after many trials and much suffering. The monk is referred to as Tang Sanzang in the novel. The novel retains the broad outline of Xuanzang’s own account, Great Tang Records on the Western Regions, but adds elements from folk tales and the author’s invention: Gautama Buddha gives this task to the monk and provides him with three protectors who agree to help him as an atonement for their sins. These disciples are Sun Wukong, Zhu Bajie, and Sha Wujing, together with a dragon prince who acts as Tang Sanzang’s steed, a white horse. The group of pilgrims journeys towards enlightenment by the power and virtue of cooperation.
In order to help more people know this novel, Aylus- Syosset organized a series of learning classes in February 2022, We held 4 sessions each month to help American Born Chinese(ABCs) to learn more about one of the most famous traditional novels in Chinese history.
During the class period, students and tutors have a very meaningful time together. Not only do students learn about traditional Chinese works, but tutors can also gain experience teaching.
The following students volunteered in this tutoring program: Tommy Haotian Tang (6 hours), Jessica Albrecht (4 hours) from the Syosset branch, and Joanna Yang(4 hours) from the Manhasset branch.
