In Journey to the West, Devaraja Li (also known as Heavenly King Li, Li Jing, Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King or Devaraja Pagoda-Bearer) is the supreme military commander serving the Jade Emperor. His character merges the Buddhist deva-king archetype (Buddhist guardian deity Vaiśravana, one of the Four Heavenly Kings) with the historical General Li Jing from Emperor Tang Taizong’s court, a fascinating blend of Buddhist cosmology and Chinese Daoist mythology.
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[Journey to the West] Wukong and Zhang Liang
In Chapter 14 of Journey to the West, Sun Wukong kills six bandits (symbolizing the ”Six Roots” of desire in Buddhist teachings) and is harshly rebuked by Tang Sanzang. Angered, he storms off and visits the Dragon King of the Eastern Sea.
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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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