SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Category: Journey to the West

Liu Boqin: The Tiger-Slayer of Journey to the West

In ancient Chinese society, tigers and humans coexisted in close proximity, leading to inevitable clashes for survival. As society and culture advanced, human activity expanded, intensifying these conflicts.
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April 10, 2025
Huangji Jingshi and Journey to the West

Authored by Shao Yong (Shao Kangjie) during the Northern Song Dynasty, Huangji Jingshi (The Supreme Principles Governing the World) is a seminal work of Chinese philosophy. It employs Yijing (Book of Changes) principles to explore the universe’s origins, natural evolution, and historical societal transformations. Rooted in the He-Tu and Luo-Shu numerological traditions and Xiang-Shu (“image-number”) cosmology, the text profoundly influenced ancient Chinese philosophy, science, and culture—including Journey to the West.
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April 10, 2025
[Journey to the West]The Sworn Brotherhood Between Emperor and Monk

As previously discussed, the traditional Chinese concept of “Sworn Brotherhood of Eight Bows” and its representation in Journey to the West reflect deep cultural values of loyalty and kinship. Today, we delve into the historical account of Xuanzang’s sworn brotherhood with a king and its profound influence on the novel’s narrative.
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April 10, 2025
Sworn Brotherhoods in Journey to the West

The term “Sworn Brotherhood of Eight Bows” refers to an oath-bound fraternal bond in Chinese culture, signifying an exceptionally close, brotherly relationship. Rooted in ancient traditions, such sworn alliances were considered sacred and lifelong commitments.
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April 9, 2025
Immortals at Play: Chess and Time in Journey to the West

In Journey to the West, Sun Wukong encounters a woodcutter who guides him to seek a master and learn immortality. This woodcutter’s role mirrors an ancient Chinese legend, weaving Taoist themes of timelessness and illusion into the narrative.
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April 9, 2025
Why is the author of Journey to the West unknown?

Journey to the West (Xiyouji), one of China’s Four Great Classical Novels, was published anonymously in the 16th century during the Ming Dynasty. While Wu Cheng’en is traditionally credited as its author, the work’s true authorship remains debated and shrouded in mystery.
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April 9, 2025
Who are Sun Wukong’s parents?

In Journey to the West, Sun Wukong (the Monkey King) has no biological parents. He is born from a magical stone nurtured by heaven and earth’s primordial energies on the Mount of Flowers and Fruits.
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April 9, 2025
Harmonious Fusion of the Religions in Journey to the West

Journey to the West masterfully integrates China’s three major traditions or religions—Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism—into a cohesive narrative, creating a rich cultural tapestry and unique philosophical-religious foundation.
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April 9, 2025
Is Wei Zheng Mortal or Divine in Journey to the West?

In Journey to the West, Wei Zheng embodies a dual identity. He is neither fully mortal nor purely divine but a liminal figure ensuring cosmic order—a reminder that even human affairs are threads in the tapestry of heavenly design.
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April 9, 2025