In Journey to the West, Zhu Bajie (Pigsy) has suggested several times that the group should divide the luggage and disband. Why is Pigsy always thinking about the luggage? What exactly was in the load carried by the pilgrimage team?
The Contents of the Traveling Luggage
When Tang Sanzang departed from Chang’an, it was already made clear what was packed in his luggage.
The emperor summoned him up to the treasure hall and said, “Royal Brother, today is an auspicious day for the journey, and your rescript for free passage is ready. We also present you with a bowl made of purple gold for you to collect alms on your way. Two attendants have been selected to accompany you, and a horse will be your means of travel. You may begin your journey at once.”
— Journey to the West, Chapter 12
The monks in the Temple of Great Blessing and the disciples were already waiting there with Xuanzang’s winter and summer clothing.
— Journey to the West, Chapter 12
Mainly, there were the imperial travel permit, a begging bowl, and clothes for all four seasons. After all, the estimated time for the journey was more than three years, so they had prepared clothing suitable for all seasons.
Complaints About the Heavy Load
Bajie frequently grumbled about the baggage’s weight, revealing additional contents:
“Ah! Elder Brother,” said Bajie, “just count the things here:
Four yellow rattan mats;
Long and short, eight ropes in all.
To guard against dampness and rain,
There are blankets — three, four layers!
The flat pole’s too slippery, perhaps?
You add nails on nails at both ends!
Cast in iron and copper, the nine-ringed priestly staff.
Made of bamboo and rattan, the long, large cloak.With all this luggage, you should pity old Hog, who has to walk all day carrying it! You only are the disciple of our master: I’ve been made into a long-term laborer!”
— Journey to the West, Chapter 23
This implied the load contained:
The monk’s staff,
Brocade cassock,
Four rolls of yellow vine mats,
A large raincloak.
Among these, the metal staff, mats, and cloak were likely quite heavy.
The “Dividing the Luggage” Incidents
Moreover, during the episode where Sun Wukong defeats the White Bone Demoness three times, Zhu Bajie slandered Wukong to Tang Sanzang and mentioned dividing the luggage again:
“Master,” said Pilgrim, “are you sending me away again? All right, I’ll go back. But there’s something which I find disagreeable.” “What do you find disagreeable?” asked the Tang monk. “Master,” said Bajie, “he wants you to divide up the luggage with him! You think he wants to go back empty-handed after following you as a monk all this time? Why don’t you see whether you have any old shirt or tattered hat in your wrap there and give him a couple of pieces.”
— Journey to the West, Chapter 27
From this passage, we can infer that there were also hats in the luggage—and likely more than one.
Practical Supplies
Later, when the Queen of the Women’s Kingdom (Daughter Country) offered gifts to the pilgrims, Sun Wukong refused gold and silver or expensive fabrics, accepting only rice. Judging from this description, their packs must have included some dried food supplies.
Ceremonial & Administrative Items
Other likely items include writing tools, like paper, ink, brush, as well as Buddhist ritual items such as incense and candles.
The Symbolic Burden
Actually, when Bajie suggests dividing the luggage and disbanding the group, it is not out of greed for the belongings, but rather a reflection of his lingering longing for secular life. Of course, it also reveals his dissatisfaction with his position within the team, as well as his lack of confidence in facing hardships.
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