In Journey to the West, Zen Master Wu Chao (Crow’s Nest Zen Master) is a mysterious, wise monk who imparts the Heart Sutra to Tang Sanzang and foretells the pilgrims’ trials. Despite his enlightened demeanor, Sun Wukong harbors deep resentment toward him, culminating in a violent attack.
Yet, why did the Monkey King attack Zen Master Wu Chao? What animosity lies between them?
The Monkey King is a fearless character who never retreats from demons or monsters. In fact, he has challenged numerous deities and buddhas, including the Jade Emperor (ruler of Heaven), Guanyin, Bird’s Nest Chan Master, and others.
Wukong’s grudge against Guanyin Bodhisattva
Sun Wukong harbored resentment toward Guanyin due to the “Golden Headband Incident” and its spell. Originally, he intended to attack her, but his master warned him that Guanyin might activate the spell against him, forcing the Monkey King to abandon the idea. This spell was a powerful restraint, making him think twice before acting.
To vent his anger, Wukong later burned down one of Guanyin’s temples, which naturally enraged her.
Humiliation and Provocation
During a subsequent encounter, Guanyin disguised herself as Zen Master Wu Chao and deliberately humiliated the Monkey King. Though the Monkey King’s exploits in the Heavenly Palace were legendary, Zen Master Wu Chao feigned ignorance of his identity.
Then he pointed to Pilgrim and asked, “Who is this person?” “How is it that the old Chan recognizes him,” said Pilgrim, laughing, “and not me?” “Because I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting you,” said the Chan Master. Tripitaka said, “He is my eldest disciple, Sun Wukong.” Smiling amiably, the Chan Master said, “How impolite of me!”
— Journey to the West, Chapter 19
When Wu Chao pretends not to recognize Wukong, it reignites the Monkey King’s anger.
Wu Chao later taunts Wukong by calling him “the old stone monkey with a fiery temper,” exposing his true identity as Guanyin and mocking Wukong’s rebellious nature.
“You’ll meet ahead a water sprite.
An old stone ape of many years
Now nurses over there his spite!
Just ask that acquaintance of yours:
Well he knows the way to the West.”
— Journey to the West, Chapter 19
But if the Chan Master denied knowing the Monkey King, why later did he refer to him as the “old stone monkey”?
The Monkey King eventually realized Zen Master Wu Chao was Guanyin in disguise, prompting him to retaliate violently. Wukong strikes Wu Chao’s nest with his staff, but it proves indestructible.
Despite teaching Tang Sanzang the Heart Sutra (which emphasizes emptiness and detachment), Wu Chao/Guanyin provokes Wukong’s anger. The encounter tests Wukong’s ability to control his temper and accept humility—a core Buddhist lesson. His failure highlights his lingering attachments to ego and revenge.
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