The two Wukongs flew toward the Western Paradise, battling as if they were bitter enemies.
Soon, they came into view of the Thunder Monastery, majestically rising atop the Spirit Mountain of the Western Paradise.
At that very moment, the Four Great Bodhisattvas, the Eight Diamond Kings, the Five Hundred Arhats, the Three Thousand Faith Protectors, the mendicant monks and nuns, the Upasakas and Upasikas had all gathered beside Tathagata’s lotus throne made of seven kinds of precious stones to listen to his teachings.
Graciously, Tathagata spoke with a tone of satisfaction:
“All of you possess one mind. Observe the chaos wrought by duality.”
The assembly looked up to see the battling Monkey Kings at the sacred grounds.
The Eight Diamond Kings blocked them, asking:
“State your purpose!”
One Wukong responded:
“A monster has stolen my identity, and I wish for Tathagata to judge.”
Everyone present listened in astonishment as both Wukongs spoke the same words at the same time, in exactly the same tone, making it impossible to discern the real from the false.
Buddha’s Revelation
Only Tathagata possessed the power to distinguish between them. As he prepared to speak, Guanyin arrived on a rosy cloud. She respectfully bowed before Buddha with her palms joined, but before she could speak, Tathagata himself asked:
“Can you tell the true Wukong from the false one?”
The Bodhisattva replied:
“A few days ago, they came to me with this very dilemma, but I was unable to determine what distinguished one from the other.”
Tathagata explained:
“There are five categories of immortals in the universe. There are also five types of beings. This impostor does not belong to any of these categories. This is because there exist four types of monkeys that fall outside the classifications I have just mentioned.”
The Bodhisattva asked:
“Could you explain which types of monkeys you are referring to?”
Tathagata added:
“the Stone Monkey, Red-Buttocked Baboon, Gibbon, and Six-Eared Macaque. This impostor is the last—a Six-Eared Macaque. He hears all, knows past and future, and mirrors Wukong perfectly.”
Capture of the Impostor
Upon hearing such an accurate verdict from Tathagata, the macaque began trembling with fear. Then, with a tremendous leap, he tried to escape into the air, but Tathagata ordered the Four Bodhisattvas, the Eight Diamond Kings to surround him and prevent his escape.
Sun Wukong wanted to join the pursuit, but Tathagata stopped him, saying:
“Do not move from where you are, Wukong. I will take care of capturing him myself.”
So certain was the macaque that he would not be able to escape that his hair stood on end from sheer terror. Nevertheless, he shook his body slightly and instantly transformed into a bee, immediately flying high into the sky.
Without delay, Tathagata threw his alms bowl upward, which captured the bee and gently placed it back onto the ground.
None of those present realized this. All thought the macaque had successfully escaped. Noticing their sadness, Tathagata called them over and said with a smile:
“Stop mourning. The monster has not escaped. He is right beneath my bowl.”
All the attendees surrounded the bowl and carefully lifted it. The six-eared macaque appeared before their eyes in his usual form.
Buddha said to Wukong:
“Return to Tang Monk and assist him in reaching this place as quickly as possible. It is essential that the retrieval of the scriptures is delayed no further.”
The Monkey King prostrated himself on the ground, touching his forehead to the earth in gratitude, and said to Buddha:
“There is something you must know: the master rejects me.”
“Fret not,” said Tathagata. “Guanyin will ensure your reunion.”
Reunion and Renewed Journey
Hearing these words, Guanyin clasped her hands together, expressing her gratitude to Tathagata. Accompanied by Wukong, she mounted a cloud and left Spirit Mountain.
They soon arrived at the cottage where Tang Monk was resting. Upon seeing them, Sha Wujing rushed inside the hut and excitedly urged the master to come out and greet them.
The Bodhisattva explained in her usual gentle manner:
“The one who struck you the other day was not Wukong, but a six-eared macaque impersonating him. Fortunately, Tathagata has been able to expose him. It is essential that you accept him in the team, for there are still many obstacles ahead on your journey. Without him, you will never reach Spirit Mountain.”
“Very well. I will do as you request,” replied Tripitaka, touching his forehead to the ground.
All the pilgrims prostrated themselves and thanked the Bodhisattva for all she had done for them. Guanyin then headed toward the Southern Seas.
The monks bid farewell to the family that had so lovingly welcomed them into their cottage.
With no trace of their former animosity remaining, they finally resumed the path leading westward.
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