Reading Notes W4: Wu'Cheng'En, Part B



Wu Cheng’En – a versatile poet (His novel The Journey of the West contains over 1, 700 poems).

·       Known for writing on Mythical and supernatural super natural subjects in a satirical style.

·       Minor officer serving under the Mind Dynasty (1368-1644).

The Novel had a historical basis in the journey of the Monk Xu-anzang, or Tripitaka (596-664), who traveled from China to India in search of Buddhist scriptures during the reign of Emperor Taizong, on of the most splendid emperors of the Tank Dynasty (618-907).  Such Travels were forbidden.

·       Buddhism- immortality and ultimate virtue

·       Daoist – self-preservation and immortality (Confucian – Moral virtue)

Chapter 1- There is an immortal stone rock, the rock gives birth to an egg, the egg gives birth to a monkey which disturbed heaven. He communed with other animals. Where did they come from? And is this how the other monkeys came to be?  Life is being drained from him as he eats and drinks.

The monkeys discover a mysterious waterfall and the first monkey finds the courage to go and discovers a part of heaven. He is awarded the honor to be King because of his bravery to go into the waterfall - Hierarchy introduced into the story. 

They live in between two worlds with perfect balance of the seasons for 400 years then the heaven born king is distressed about the king of the underworld somehow discovering their sovereign living. The other monkeys are concerned with the king being discontent-  The author  could be drawing a connection with the character traits of human beings, never being satisfied with what they have, but always desiring more.  Like many people, the monkey is now in search for something more. He also causes those under his rule to be concerned because of his fears. They all start to think like one. No freedom of thought. 

The monkey king meets the woodcutter who he presumes is immortal because he is singing the song of an immortal. The woodcutter shares his unfortunate struggles: taking care of his mom with very little means. The monkey does not care about the man’s honor in taking care of his mother but urges him to leave her and his land behind to follow and guide him on the journey of becoming immortal. The author is mocking the practice of Buddhism. Searching for immorality while one is currently struggling in a mortal life.  Also, to follow the Way to immorality meant a stern, self-disciplined way of living, which the woodcutter insists is not a way of life he wants to live. 

On his journey the monkey king shows his true character (434). He is deceptive and selfish. As the story continues to he finds the Master of Immorality and the Mountain of Mind and Heart, The Cave of Slanting Moon and Three Stars. The monkey king, after the Patriarch clearly sees that he is a fabricator/liar finds himself fabricating his behavior while on his journey. He presents himself as an honorable king, telling of his inability to hold grudges or have enemies. He speaks the truth of his birth among the lies.
He seem to have deceived the Master and is accepted as The monkey king appearance is clearly upright as a man/features of a monkey- the man represents his mortal conception/ the monkey the heavenly part. For a second wonder if author was references evolution? He is about to begin a new journey.

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