In the classic novel Journey to the West, the Jade Emperor mockingly appoints the Monkey King, Sun Wukong, as the “Bimawen” (also translates to “BanHorsePlague”, or “epidemic-avoiding monkey”) to oversee heavenly horses.
The Jade Emperor then ordered the divine officials, both civil and military, to see what vacant appointment there might be for Sun Wukong to receive. From the side came the Star Spirit of Wuqu, who reported, “In every mansion and hall everywhere in the Palace of Heaven, there is no lack of ministers. Only at the imperial stables is a supervisor needed.” “Let him be made a Bimawen,” proclaimed the Jade Emperor.
— Journey to the West, Chapter 4
However there is no such position existed in the bureaucratic systems of ancient Chinese dynasties. So, what does this title truly mean?
The Chinese characters 弼马温 are a homophone for 避马瘟 or 辟马瘟, meaning “to prevent horse plagues” or “ward off equine diseases.”
Origin of “Bimawen”
During the Eastern Han Dynasty, monkeys were kept in stables to ward off plagues affecting horses, as it was believed their presence could “avoid horse epidemics”. Also ancient Chinese texts, such as the agricultural manual Qi Min Yao Shu, mention that monkeys were believed to protect horses from epidemics.
Another legend claims mixing female monkey urine with horse feed was thought to protect horses from illness, further linking monkeys to the role of disease prevention.
Note that later works like Bencao Gangmu (Compendium of Materia Medica), Wu Za Zu (Five Assorted Offerings), and Nongzheng Quanshu (Complete Treatise on Agricultural Policy) postdate Journey to the West and are unrelated to the novel’s context.
Authorial Intent
The title likely carries a hidden pun. The phrase “heart like a monkey, mind like a horse” is an idiom describing a restless, uncontrollable mind. This metaphor recurs throughout the novel, reflecting Sun Wukong’s impulsive nature.
Chapter 7 includes a poem explicitly linking the title to this symbolism, underscoring the Monkey King’s untamed spirit.
An ape’s body of Dao weds the human mind.
Mind is a monkey—this meaning’s profound.
The Great Sage, Equal to Heaven, is no false thought.
How could the post of BanHorse justly show his gifts?
“Horse works with Monkey” means both Mind and Will
Need binding firmly. Don’t seek them outside.
All things back to Nirvāṇa follow one truth—
To join Tathāgata beneath twin trees.
— Journey to the West, Chapter 7
Status and Mockery
Despite its grand-sounding name, Bi Ma Wen or BanHorsePlague was a low-ranking post.
In the classic novel Journey to the West, the Jade Emperor mockingly appoints the Monkey King, Sun Wukong, as the “Bimawen” to oversee heavenly horses. This title, though seemingly official, symbolized ridicule and trivialization of his status.
This humiliation becomes a recurring joke: Zhu Bajie (Pigsy) and various demons frequently mock Sun Wukong for this “glorified stablehand” role during their pilgrimage.
The title BiMaWen blends wordplay, cultural folklore, and character critique, encapsulating Sun Wukong’s journey from arrogance to humility—a theme central to his growth in the novel.
Leave a Reply