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).
(more…)Tag: Guanyin Bodhisattva
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[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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[Journey to the West]Guanyin Bodhisattva and Zen Master Wu Chao
In Journey to the West, Zen Master Wu Chao (Crow’s Nest Zen Master) is a mysterious, wise monk who imparts the Heart Sutra to Tang Sanzang and foretells the pilgrims’ trials. Despite his enlightened demeanor, Sun Wukong harbors deep resentment toward him, culminating in a violent attack.
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[Journey to the West]The Truth Behind the Pseudonyms: A Trap of Temptation
In Journey to the West (Chapter 23: “Four Saints Test the Zen Heart”), the four bodhisattvas disguise themselves as a widow and her three daughters to test the pilgrims’ spiritual resolve. Their names are riddled with homophonic puns and double meanings, critiquing worldly illusions.
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Why Wukong burned down the Guanyin Temple?
In Journey to the West, the Guanyin Zen Monastery (also known as Guanyin Hall, Guanyin Zen Temple or Guanyin Chan Hall) is the domain of the Goddess Guanyin Bodhisattva. Sun Wukong’s fiery destruction of the monastery was both accidental and inevitable.
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The Mind-Control Spell in Journey to the West
In Journey to the West, Guanyin Bodhisattva grants Tang Sanzang the Tightening Curse (Tight-Fillet Spell) and its accompanying golden fillet to subdue Sun Wukong.
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The Six Bandits in Journey to the West
In Journey to the West, Chapter 14, titled “Mind Monkey returns to the Right – The Six Robbers vanish from sight”, introduces six robbers who ambush Tang Sanzang and Sun Wukong.
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Harmonious Fusion of the Religions in Journey to the West
Journey to the West masterfully integrates China’s three major traditions or religions—Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism—into a cohesive narrative, creating a rich cultural tapestry and unique philosophical-religious foundation.
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[Journey to the West]Bodhisattva Guanyin quotes the Book of Changes
Guanyin Bodhisattva is one of the most pivotal characters in Journey to the West. She serves not only as the mastermind and executor of the pilgrimage project but also as the living embodiment of Buddhist Dharma.
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