In Journey to the West, Sun Wukong(the Monkey King) is notoriously prideful, showing little deference to most gods and buddhas—even high-ranking figures like the Jade Emperor, Tathagata Buddha, and Laozi. However, he harbors genuine respect for two deities: Guanyin Bodhisattva and Taibai Jinxing (the Great White Star, also known as the Golden Star of Venus, Gold Star of Venus, Planet Venus from the West or Long-Life Spirit of the Planet Venus).
Guanyin, as the overseer of the scripture-seeking pilgrimage, aids Sun Wukong repeatedly throughout the journey. Similarly, Gold Star of Venus earns the Monkey King’s respect through his consistent advocacy and diplomacy.
Recommending Sun Wukong to Heaven
First Intervention
When Sun Wukong first rebelled against Heaven after causing havoc in the Dragon Palace and the Underworld, Taibai Jinxing advised the Jade Emperor to pacify rather than punish him, proposing to recruit the Monkey King into celestial service. This led to Sun Wukong’s initial title as “Bimawen” (Keeper of the Heavenly Horses).
Second Intervention
After Sun Wukong’s rebellion over the insulting title, Golden Star of Venus again persuaded the Jade Emperor to appease him by granting the hollow honorific “Great Sage Equal to Heaven”, averting further conflict.
Mediating Conflicts
When tensions flared between Sun Wukong and Heavenly King Li Jing over the White Mouse Demon (a.k.a. Lady Earth Flow), Taibai Jinxing intervened to resolve the dispute peacefully, showcasing his role as Heaven’s foremost diplomat.
Assisting in Demon Subjugation
Despite his lofty status, Taibai Jinxing often aided Sun Wukong during the pilgrimage. For example, he provided critical advice or celestial reinforcements when the Monkey King faced formidable foes, balancing bureaucratic protocol with pragmatic support.
Why does Monkey King hold great respect for Star of Venus?
Diplomatic Wisdom
Unlike other celestial officials who dismissed or antagonized Sun Wukong, the Star of Venus treated him with courtesy and fairness, acknowledging his strengths while mitigating his rebellious impulses.
Benevolent Advocacy
By advocating for Sun Wukong’s integration into Heaven’s hierarchy, Planet Venus offered the Monkey King a semblance of legitimacy and purpose, which resonated with Sun Wukong’s desire for recognition.
Moral Consistency
The Golden Star of Venus’s actions were guided by a desire to maintain cosmic harmony, not personal gain. His neutrality and pragmatism stood in stark contrast to the hypocrisy of other deities.
Cultural and Symbolic Significance
Golden Star of Venus embodies the Daoist ideal of “wuwei” (non-coercive action)—resolving conflicts through wisdom and compromise rather than force. His character critiques the rigidity of celestial bureaucracy, highlighting the value of flexibility in governance. Sun Wukong’s respect for him reflects that even a rebel like the Monkey King recognizes true virtue when it transcends self-interest.
In essence, the Venus’ role as Heaven’s “peacemaker” cements his unique bond with Sun Wukong, illustrating that respect in Journey to the West is earned not through power, but through empathy and integrity.