In Journey to the West, the names and titles of the characters often carry specific symbolic meanings.
For example, Tang Monk is also called Tang Sanzang. Sanzang refers to the Tripitaka Buddhist canon, symbolizing his role as a spiritual guide. The Piggy Bajie, means Eight Precepts, the Buddhist moral codes he struggles to uphold.
The Monkey King is given the name Sun Wukong by his first master, Subhuti. “Wukong” means “Awakened to Emptiness,” reflecting Buddhist teachings on transcending illusions.
Today, we will talk about one of the titles of the Monkey King, the Great Sage, Equal to Heaven.
The Corruption of Innocence
The novel repeatedly emphasizes spiritual practice, mindfulness, and inner growth. Early in the story, Wukong embodies innocence and humility. Before his ambitions spiral, he states:
The Monkey King again replied, “I have no temper. If a man rebukes me, I am not offended; if he hits me, I am not angered. In fact, I simply repay him with a ceremonial greeting and that’s all. My whole life’s without ill temper.”
— Journey to the West, Chapter 2
This reflects a mindset of patience and non-attachment, aligning with Taoist and Buddhist ideals of inner peace.
However, after mastering supernatural abilities (72 transformations, cloud-somersaulting, etc.), Wukong’s purity becomes tainted by pride and desire. His quest for recognition mirrors the Buddhist concept of “monkey of the mind” —a restless, ego-driven consciousness that must be tamed.
Great Sage, Equal to Heaven
The Jade Emperor initially granted Sun Wukong the low-ranking title “Bimawen” or “BanHorsePlague” (“Keeper of the Heavenly Horses”) to pacify him. Disgusted by this menial role, Wukong rebelled and abandoned Heaven.
After returning to his Mountain of Flowers and Fruits, two Single-Horned Demon Kings, cunning and ambitious demons, arrived to pledge allegiance. Recognizing Wukong’s defiance and power, one demon king flatters him by proposing the title ”Great Sage Equaling Heaven”.
He then appointed the demon kings to be the Vanguard Commanders, Marshals of the Forward Regiments. After expressing their thanks, the demon kings asked again, “Since our Great King was in Heaven for a long time, may we ask what kind of appointment he received?” “The Jade Emperor belittles the talented,” said the Monkey King. “He only made me something called the BanHorsePlague.” Hearing this, the demon kings said again, “Great King has such divine powers! Why should you take care of horses for him? What is there to stop you from assuming the rank of the Great Sage, Equal to Heaven?” When the Monkey King heard these words, he could not conceal his delight, shouting repeatedly, “Bravo! Bravo!” “Make me a banner immediately,” he ordered the four mighty commanders, “and inscribe on it in large letters, ‘The Great Sage, Equal to Heaven.’ Erect a pole to hang it on. From now on, address me only as the Great Sage, Equal to Heaven, and the title Great King will no longer be permitted. The Monster Kings of the various caves will also be informed so that it will be known to all.” Of this we shall speak no further.
— Journey to the West, Chapter 4
The name symbolizes Wukong’s ambition to rival heaven itself—a direct challenge to celestial authority. The demon’s suggestion plays into Wukong’s pride, further fueling his rebellion. Later, when heaven attempts to placate Wukong by “granting” him this title (while sidelining him with empty duties), the irony underscores the celestial bureaucracy’s manipulation and Wukong’s unyielding spirit.
The title “Great Sage, Equal to Heaven” ironically highlights his unchecked ambition. Despite claiming equality with Heaven, Wukong remains bound by ignorance until his eventual redemption under Tang Sanzang’s guidance.
His journey from rebellious “mind-monkey” to enlightened protector embodies the Buddhist path of transforming delusion into wisdom.
Thus, the title encapsulates both Wukong’s audacity and the novel’s deeper themes: the peril of unchecked power, the necessity of humility, and the arduous path to spiritual maturity.
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