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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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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Where does Subhuti live in Journey to the West?
Subhūti, the mentor of Sun Wukong (the Monkey King), resides in Lingtai Fangcun Mountain (灵台方寸山), Slanted Moon and Three Stars Cave (斜月三星洞), located in the Western Continent of Aparagodānīya in Journey to the West.
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[Journey to the West]The Prototype of Sha Monk
Sha Wujing, also known as Sandy, Friar Sand, or Sha Monk, is the youngest disciple of Tang Sanzang in Journey to the West.
The Prototype of Sha Monk (Sha Wujing) can be traced to multiple images in Buddhist stories and historical documents.
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[Journey to the West]The Parable of “Grinding Bricks into Mirrors”
The allusion to “grinding bricks into mirrors” originates from a Zen Buddhist parable.
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