Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature
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In Journey to the West, when Guanyin Bodhisattva and her disciple Moksha (Hui’an Pilgrim) were sent by Tathāgata to find a scripture-seeking monk in Chang’an, their choice to lodge temporarily in a temple of the local spirit was no random decision.
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In Journey to the West (Chapter 5), why did Sun Wukong immobilize the Seven Fairy Maidens sent to pick peaches and rush to the Jade Pool? Was he suspicious they lacked the Queen Mother’s authorization?
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According to the Journey to the West novel, after the Six-Eared Macaque was slain, Tang Monk indeed never recited the Tight-Fillet Spell again.
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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?
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In Journey to the West, Sun Wukong’s “sworn brotherhood” with Zhenyuanzi (Great Immortal Zhenyuan) was a compromise born of extraordinary circumstances.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Wukong and Bajie are not good partners always. In fact, Bajie consistently defies Wukong’s authority throughout the pilgrimage.