SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Tag: sun wukong

[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]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
[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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April 12, 2025
[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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April 12, 2025
[Journey to the West]Why Did the Black Bear Spirit Steal the Cassock?

The Black Bear Spirit, also known as the Black Bear Monster or Black Wind King, is a unique demon in Journey to the West.
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April 11, 2025
The Huangting Jing in Journey to the West

In the first chapter of Journey to the West, Sun Wukong encounters a woodcutter singing verses from the Huangting Jing (Yellow Court Canon), a foundational Taoist text.
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April 11, 2025
Strength, Mana and Authority in Journey to the West

In Journey to the West, power manifests in multiple forms, making it difficult to rank deities and demons by dominance alone. The novel distinguishes three key types of power.
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April 10, 2025