From Journey to the West, we learn that ancient Chinese emperors and officials typically commenced their court sessions around the fifth watch.
(more…)Author: Juan
-
Wukong and the Zen Patriarch
In an earlier post, we explained how the Monkey King measure time without clocks on Lingtai Fangcun Mountain. We found that his master Subhuti’s “Three Watches Agreement” actually draws inspiration from a Chan (Zen) Buddhist parable, the secret dharma transmission to the Sixth Patriarch Hui Neng. Today, we will delve deeper into this topic to uncover more intriguing narratives and contextualize more undisclosed details.
(more…) -
Has the Monkey King ever eaten human flesh?
In Journey to the West, the question of whether Sun Wukong (the Monkey King) consumes human flesh is a topic of debate. While many demons, including Tang Sanzang’s disciples Zhu Bajie (Pigsy) and Sha Wujing (Sandy), have cannibalistic pasts, Wukong’s relationship with human flesh is more complex and symbolic.
(more…) -
[Journey to the West]Conflict and Reconciliation of Religions from Zhen Yuanzi’s Perspective
In traditional Chinese culture, the conflict and fusion between Buddhism and Taoism underwent a prolonged historical process, a phenomenon vividly expressed and embodied in Journey to the West.
(more…) -
The Heart Sutra and Journey to the West
We all know that Journey to the West recounts the story of Master Xuanzang and his disciples traveling westward to seek Buddhist scriptures.
(more…) -
Crow’s Nest Chan Master and Heart Sutra in Journey to the West
In Journey to the West, Master Subodhi (Subhuti) and Zen Master Wu Chao stand out as two of the most enigmatic figures. Both characters make only brief appearances in the novel before vanishing without a trace. Despite their fleeting presence, they play pivotal roles in shaping the story’s progression and spiritual undertones.
(more…)