Over the past two months, we have explored the Chinese classic Journey to the West. Though a mythological narrative, it is rooted in historical events.
In Journey to the West, gods and demons wield immense supernatural powers, while mortals are typically portrayed as frail and vulnerable. Yet, there are rare exceptions—figures like Liu Boqin, Wei Zheng, and Yuan Shoucheng.
Since ancient times, Chinese folklore has upheld the tradition of pasting images of Door Gods on household gates during the Lunar New Year.
We all know that Journey to the West recounts the story of Master Xuanzang and his disciples traveling westward to seek Buddhist scriptures.
In Journey to the West, Master Subodhi (Subhuti) and Zen Master Wu Chao stand out as two of the most enigmatic figures. Both characters make only brief appearances in the novel before vanishing without a trace. Despite their fleeting presence, they play pivotal roles in shaping the story’s progression and spiritual undertones.
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.
In Journey to the West, Wei Zheng embodies a dual identity. He is neither fully mortal nor purely divine but a liminal figure ensuring cosmic order—a reminder that even human affairs are threads in the tapestry of heavenly design.
The allusion to “grinding bricks into mirrors” originates from a Zen Buddhist parable.