SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Tag: tang sanzang

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
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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April 10, 2025
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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April 10, 2025
Liu Boqin: The Tiger-Slayer of Journey to the West

In ancient Chinese society, tigers and humans coexisted in close proximity, leading to inevitable clashes for survival. As society and culture advanced, human activity expanded, intensifying these conflicts.
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April 10, 2025
[Journey to the West]The Sworn Brotherhood Between Emperor and Monk

As previously discussed, the traditional Chinese concept of “Sworn Brotherhood of Eight Bows” and its representation in Journey to the West reflect deep cultural values of loyalty and kinship. Today, we delve into the historical account of Xuanzang’s sworn brotherhood with a king and its profound influence on the novel’s narrative.
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April 10, 2025
Sworn Brotherhoods in Journey to the West

The term “Sworn Brotherhood of Eight Bows” refers to an oath-bound fraternal bond in Chinese culture, signifying an exceptionally close, brotherly relationship. Rooted in ancient traditions, such sworn alliances were considered sacred and lifelong commitments.
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April 9, 2025
Who are Sun Wukong’s parents?

In Journey to the West, Sun Wukong (the Monkey King) has no biological parents. He is born from a magical stone nurtured by heaven and earth’s primordial energies on the Mount of Flowers and Fruits.
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April 9, 2025
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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April 9, 2025
The two Scholar-Hermits in Journey to the West

In Journey to the West, Zhang Shao and Li Ding are two distinctive yet minor characters. A fisherman and a woodcutter, respectively. Traditionally, these professions symbolized an idyllic life detached from worldly strife, embodying the Taoist ideal of reclusive simplicity.
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April 8, 2025