[Journey to the West]What does Bajie (Eight Preceptos) mean in Buddhism?

Zhu Bajie is a fictional character from the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West (Xiyouji, 西游记). He is one of the main disciples of the monk Xuanzang (Tang Sanzang) on their pilgrimage to India to retrieve Buddhist scriptures.

The name ‘Bajie’ (Eight Precepts) was given to him by Guanyin Bodhisattva as his monastic name. ‘Bajie’ serves both as precepts to restrain his behavior and as a subtle satire on his gluttony, lust, and other vices.

In Buddhism, based on the Five Precepts, there are different precepts at various stages of practice: the Five Precepts, Eight Precepts, Ten Precepts, etc.

There are 250 precepts for bhikkhus (monks), 348 precepts for bhikkhunis (nuns), six heavy precepts and twenty-eight light precepts for lay bodhisattvas (non-full-time practitioners, considered part-time supporters), and 10 heavy precepts with 48 light precepts for monastic bodhisattvas.

The “Eight Precepts” are ethical principles or behavioral rules in Buddhist tradition:

• No killing: Refrain from harming or taking the lives of living beings.
• No stealing: Refrain from taking others’ possessions without permission.
• No sexual misconduct: Abstain from immoral or harmful sexual activities.
• No lying: Avoid false speech, deception, or disrespectful/offensive language.
• No intoxicants: Abstain from alcohol, drugs, or mind-altering substances.
• No adornments/entertainment: Refrain from wearing flowers, makeup, enjoying songs/dances, or frivolous performances.
• No luxurious seating: Avoid sitting or lying on high, wide, or elaborate beds.
• No untimely eating: Restrict meals to daylight hours and avoid overindulgence.