SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Tag: Buddhist

The Missing Trial at Benbo Kingdom in Journey to the West

In Journey to the West, after passing through the Kingdom of Sacrifice, located to the west, the next destination should have been the Kingdom of Benbo (also called Bonpo or Pen-Puo).
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April 17, 2025
[Journey to the West] Does the Queen of Women State truly love Tang Monk?

In Journey to the West, the Queen of the Kingdom of Women (Women State or Women’s Kingdom) expresses overt affection for the Tang Monk, even offering her nation’s wealth and throne in exchange for marriage with Xuanzang.
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April 16, 2025
Three Heads and Six Arms in Journey to the West

The phrase “Three Heads and Six Arms” originates from Buddhist iconography, where it describes the fearsome yet divine appearance of certain Buddhas and Dharma protectors. Over time, it evolved into a metaphor for supernatural prowess in Chinese mythology. In Journey to the West, this ability is depicted as a combat spell granting the user enhanced power and omnidirectional awareness.
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April 16, 2025
From Stone Monkey to Handsome Monkey King

Born from a mystical stone, Sun Wukong gains power through sheer ambition. After discovering the Water Curtain Cave, he declares himself the Handsome Monkey King, rallying the monkey tribe under his rule.
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April 16, 2025
[Journey to the West] Symbolism of Flower-Fruit Mountain

The Mountain of Flowers and Fruits is the legendary birthplace and kingdom of Sun Wukong (the Monkey King) in Journey to the West. While its name superficially refers to its lush flora, it carries profound Buddhist symbolism.
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April 15, 2025
[Journey to the West]Historical Prototype of King of the Black Rooster Kingdom

The Kingdom of Black Rooster does not appear in any real historical records and is a fictional nation created by the author of Journey to the West. However, the story and certain plot elements in the Black Rooster Kingdom evoke associations with the Liang Dynasty during Emperor Wu’s reign.
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April 15, 2025
[Journey to the West]Subhuti vs. Tathagata Buddha

As Sun Wukong’s first teacher, Master Subhuti plays a pivotal role in Journey to the West. He imparts Wukong with supernatural abilities, including the 72 Transformations and Cloud Somersault. However, after his initial appearance, Subhuti vanishes mysteriously and is never mentioned again, leaving his fate as enigmatic as that of Zen Master Wu Chao.
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April 15, 2025
[Journey to the West]Why does the White Bone Demon have Three Lives?

In Journey to the West (Chapter 27: “The White Bone Demon’s Triple Transformation”), the White Bone Demon (also known as the Cadaver Demon, Lady White Bone or White Bone Lady) attempts to capture Tang Sanzang by transforming into three human forms: a young maiden, an elderly woman, and an old man. Each time, Sun Wukong sees through the ruse and kills the demon. However, the demon resurrects twice more, requiring Wukong to slay it three times to eradicate it completely.
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April 13, 2025
Has the Monkey King ever eaten human flesh?

In Journey to the West, the question of whether Sun Wukong (the Monkey King) consumes human flesh is a topic of debate. While many demons, including Tang Sanzang’s disciples Zhu Bajie (Pigsy) and Sha Wujing (Sandy), have cannibalistic pasts, Wukong’s relationship with human flesh is more complex and symbolic.
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April 12, 2025