Guanyin Bodhisattva is one of the most pivotal characters in Journey to the West. She serves not only as the mastermind and executor of the pilgrimage project but also as the living embodiment of Buddhist Dharma.
While we previously discussed Sun Wukong’s eloquence and intellectual versatility, Guanyin Bodhisattva similarly wields profound wisdom through her frequent quotations of classical aphorisms in the narrative. For instance, as exemplified by the following quote:
When the Bodhisattva heard those words from the prisoner, she was filled with pleasure and said to the Great Sage, “The scripture says,
When a good word is spoken,
An answer will come from beyond a thousand miles
When an evil word is spoken,
Opposition will hail from beyond a thousand miles.
If you have such a purpose, wait until I reach the Great Tang Nation in the Land of the East and find the scripture pilgrim. He will be told to come and rescue you, and you can follow him as a disciple. You shall keep the teachings and hold the rosary to enter our gate of Buddha, so that you may again cultivate the fruits of righteousness.— Journey to the West, Chapter 8
Guanyin Bodhisattva responds to the Great Sage (Sun Wukong) with profound wisdom:
“A just word finds response even a thousand miles away, while an unjust one meets opposition even a thousand miles away.”
This teaching originates from Confucian classics, often attributed to “Xici Zhuan” (The Great Treatise) from the Book of Changes (Zhouyi).
“When a gentleman or virtuous man speaks with integrity at home, his words resonate a thousand miles afar. How much more impactful are they to those nearby? But if a gentleman speaks maliciously from home, his words are rejected even a thousand miles away. How much more rejected by those nearby?”
The passage reminds us that words and actions ripple through society. As individuals of moral integrity, we must wield them to spread positivity and justice. In Journey to the West, this ethos guides the pilgrims’ quest: their journey is as much about inner virtue as it is about external trials.
By invoking this Confucian principle, Guanyin underscores the moral weight of words. Her rebuke to Sun Wukong—who often acts impulsively—highlights the Buddhist-Taoist-Confucian synthesis in the novel, urging self-restraint and mindful speech.
While Confucius is cited here, the novel creatively blends his teachings with Buddhist and Taoist ideals, reflecting Ming-era syncretism. Guanyin’s role as a moral guide bridges divine authority and human ethics, embodying the harmony of “Three Teachings” (sanjiao).
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