SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

  • Why Wukong accused Tathagata of trickery?

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    Juan

    In Journey to the West, when Sun Wukong was imprisoned under the Five Elements Mountain, Guanyin Bodhisattva visited him. Wukong declared, “Tathagata deceived me!” But why did he claim deception? How exactly did Tathagata trick him?

  • Why Wukong never sought help from his sworn brother Zhenyuanzi?

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    Juan

    In Journey to the West, Sun Wukong’s “sworn brotherhood” with Zhenyuanzi (Great Immortal Zhenyuan) was a compromise born of extraordinary circumstances.

  • Why the old turtle flipped Tang monk?

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    Juan

    At the Heavenly River(Heaven-Reaching River), the ancient turtle entrusted Tang Monk to ask Tathagata when it could “shed its shell and attain human form,” but Tang Monk ultimately failed/forgot to inquire.

  • Why did Zhenyuanzi swear brotherhood with Wukong?

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    Juan

    In Journey to the West, Zhenyuanzi (Great Immortal Zhenyuan) — the Ancestor of Earthly Immortals — transforms from an “enemy” to a “sworn brother” of Sun Wukong.

  • The revelation of the garment from Immortal Ziyang

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    Juan

    In Journey to the West, upon learning that the Golden Sage Palace Queen had been abducted by Jupiter’s Rival, Immortal Ziyang (Zhang Boduan) gifted her a magical garment, swiftly safeguarding her purity against defilement.

  • Why Bajie often defied Wukong?

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    Juan

    They often quarrel and seem to disagree with each other on the surface. However, they are actually a great team. Although they tease and argue a lot, they never leave each other behind when facing dangers. They have different personalities but complement each other well. They go through all kinds of difficulties together and…