SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Tag: Journey to the West

‌Are there cat demons in Journey to the West?

If you visit the Forbidden City in Beijing, you might encounter cats. It is said that nearly 200 cats live there.
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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
Monstrous King of Havoc in Journey to the West

In Journey to the West, the first demon killed by Sun Wukong (the Monkey King) is the Monster King of Calamity(or Monstrous King of Havoc). This episode carries profound symbolic meaning rooted in Taoist cosmology.
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April 16, 2025
[Journey to the West] The Quest for Immortality in Myth and Legend

“The remedy comes from beyond the sea” is a Chinese proverb, meaning that to seek a miraculous cure, one must journey to the mythical immortal islands in the ocean.
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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]What time did emperors and officials of ancient China begin their work?

From Journey to the West, we learn that ancient Chinese emperors and officials typically commenced their court sessions around the fifth watch.
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April 14, 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
[Journey to the West]Conflict and Reconciliation of Religions from Zhen Yuanzi’s Perspective

In traditional Chinese culture, the conflict and fusion between Buddhism and Taoism underwent a prolonged historical process, a phenomenon vividly expressed and embodied in Journey to the West.
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April 12, 2025