Journey to the West - vol. 2

By Wu Cheng'en

Journey to the Westis a seminal work that delves into themes of spiritual growth, perseverance, and the interplay between divine intervention and human agency. Written by Wu Cheng'en, this classic novel weaves mythology, philosophy, and humor to narrate the adventures of a Buddhist monk, Tang Sanzang, and his three disciples — Sun Wukong (the Monkey King), Zhu Bajie (Pigsy), and Sha Wujing (Sandy). Together, they embark on a journey to retrieve sacred scriptures, confronting internal and external obstacles that test their resolve and character.
Since its publication, Journey to the West has been celebrated for its rich symbolism and intricate storytelling. The novel's exploration of redemption, teamwork, and self-mastery has resonated across cultures, inspiring adaptations in various media, including operas, films, and television series. Sun Wukong, in particular, has become an enduring figure, representing rebellion, cleverness, and transformation in the face of adversity.
The novel's timeless appeal lies in its ability to blend spiritual teachings with an engaging narrative. By portraying the struggles and growth of its characters, Journey to the West offers profound reflections on the human condition, making it a cornerstone of Chinese literature and a source of inspiration for audiences worldwide.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lebooks Editora
• Release date: Dec 9, 2024
• ISBN: 9786558945994

Wu Cheng'en

Wu Cheng'en (ca. 1500-1582) was een Chinese schrijver, dichter en ambtenaar uit de Ming-dynastie, geboren in Huai'an, provincie Jiangsu. Hij was bekend om zijn scherpe humor, humanistische blik en diepgaande kennis van het boeddhisme, taoïsme en confucianisme. Wu studeerde aan de Nanking Rijksacademie en diende later als ambtenaar, maar wijdde zich vooral aan literatuur en satire. Zijn naam leeft voort als auteur van Reis naar het Westen (Xiyouji), een van de vier klassieke romans van de Chinese literatuur, waarin volksverhalen, religieuze allegorie en levendige verbeeldingskracht samenkomen.

Book preview

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Wu Cheng'en

JOURNEY TO THE WEST

Volume 2

Original Title:

西遊記

First Edition

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Contents

INTRODUCTION

JOURNEY TO THE WEST - Volume 2

THIRTEEN - In the den of tigers, the Gold Star brings deliverance At Double-Fork Ridge, Boqin detains the monk

FOURTEEN - Mind Monkey returns to the Right The Six Robbers vanish from sight

FIFTEEN - At Serpent Coil Mountain, the gods give secret protection At Eagle Grief Stream, the Horse of the Will is reined

SIXTEEN - At Guanyin Hall the monks plot for the treasure At Black Wind Mountain a monster steals the cassock

SEVENTEEN - Pilgrim Sun greatly disturbs the Black Wind Mountain Guanshiyin brings to submission the bear monster

EIGHTEEN - At Guanyin Hall the Tang Monk leaves his ordeal At Gao Village the Great Sage casts out the monster

NINETEEN - At Cloudy Paths Cave, Wukong takes in Eight Rules At Pagoda Mountain, Tripitaka receives the Heart Sūtra

TWENTY - At Yellow Wind Ridge the Tang Monk meets adversity In mid-mountain, Eight Rules strives to be first

TWENTY-ONE - The Vihārapālas prepare lodging for the Great Sage Lingji of Sumeru crushes the wind demon

TWENTY-TWO - Eight Rules fights fiercely at the Flowing-Sand River Mokṣa by order receives Wujingʼs submission

INTRODUCTION

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Wu Cheng'en

1500-1582

Wu Cheng'en was a Chinese novelist and poet of the Ming Dynasty, celebrated as the author of Journey to the West (Xi You Ji), one of the four great classical novels of Chinese literature. Born in Huai'an, Jiangsu Province, Wu Cheng'en’s work is renowned for its imaginative storytelling, blending mythology, folklore, and satire to create a timeless masterpiece that has captivated readers for centuries.

Early Life and Education

Wu Cheng'en was born into a modest family, demonstrating a passion for literature and poetry from an early age. He excelled in classical Chinese studies and immersed himself in the rich cultural traditions of his era. Although he participated in the imperial examination system, Wu struggled to achieve significant success, likely due to his disdain for the rigidity and corruption associated with the system. His experiences and observations of societal shortcomings deeply informed his literary works, giving them a critical edge.

Career and Contributions

Journey to the West, attributed to Wu Cheng'en, is his magnum opus and a cornerstone of Chinese literature. The novel chronicles the fantastical pilgrimage of the monk Xuanzang and his three disciples—Sun Wukong (the Monkey King), Zhu Bajie (Pigsy), and Sha Wujing (Sandy)—as they journey to India to retrieve sacred Buddhist scriptures. The story weaves together Buddhist and Daoist philosophies, mythological elements, and sharp social commentary, creating a narrative that is both entertaining and profound.

Wu’s writing is characterized by its vivid imagination, rich character development, and humor. The novel addresses universal themes such as redemption, self-improvement, and the struggle between good and evil. At its heart, it reflects on human flaws and virtues, presenting a mirror to the complexities of society and individual morality.

Impact and Legacy

Journey to the West has had a profound and enduring influence on Chinese culture and beyond. The Monkey King, Sun Wukong, became one of the most beloved figures in Chinese mythology, celebrated for his wit, courage, and rebellious spirit. The novel's themes of perseverance and transformation resonate across generations, making it a source of inspiration for countless adaptations in literature, theater, film, and television.

Wu Cheng'en’s satirical critique of bureaucracy and human folly remains relevant, earning him recognition as one of the pioneers of classical Chinese fiction. His ability to blend entertainment with moral lessons set a new standard for narrative storytelling in Chinese literature.

Wu Cheng'en passed away in 1582 in his hometown, leaving behind a legacy enshrined in one of the greatest literary achievements of the Ming Dynasty. Although his authorship of Journey to the West was not confirmed until centuries later, his genius is now celebrated as the driving force behind this cultural treasure.

Today, Wu Cheng'en’s work continues to captivate audiences worldwide, transcending cultural and temporal boundaries. His exploration of humanity’s trials and triumphs ensures that his masterpiece remains a vital part of global literary heritage, a testament to the enduring power of storytelling.

About the Work

Journey to the West is a seminal work that delves into themes of spiritual growth, perseverance, and the interplay between divine intervention and human agency. Written by Wu Cheng'en, this classic novel weaves mythology, philosophy, and humor to narrate the adventures of a Buddhist monk, Tang Sanzang, and his three disciples — Sun Wukong (the Monkey King), Zhu Bajie (Pigsy), and Sha Wujing (Sandy). Together, they embark on a journey to retrieve sacred scriptures, confronting internal and external obstacles that test their resolve and character.

Since its publication, Journey to the West has been celebrated for its rich symbolism and intricate storytelling. The novel's exploration of redemption, teamwork, and self-mastery has resonated across cultures, inspiring adaptations in various media, including operas, films, and television series. Sun Wukong, in particular, has become an enduring figure, representing rebellion, cleverness, and transformation in the face of adversity.

The novel's timeless appeal lies in its ability to blend spiritual teachings with an engaging narrative. By portraying the struggles and growth of its characters, Journey to the West offers profound reflections on the human condition, making it a cornerstone of Chinese literature and a source of inspiration for audiences worldwide.

JOURNEY TO THE WEST - Volume 2

THIRTEEN - In the den of tigers, the Gold Star brings deliverance At Double-Fork Ridge, Boqin detains the monk

The rich Tang ruler issued a decree,

Deputing Xuanzang to seek the source of Chan.

He bent his mind to find the Dragon Den,

With firm resolve to climb the Vulture Peak.

Through how many states did he roam beyond his own?

Through clouds and hills he passed ten thousand times.

He now leaves the throne to go to the West;

Heʼll keep law and faith to reach the Great Void.

We shall now tell you about Tripitaka, who, on the third day before the fifteenth of the ninth month in the thirteenth year of the period Zhenguan, was sent off by the Tang emperor and many officials from outside the gate of Chang’an. For a couple of days his horse trotted without ceasing, and soon they reached the Temple of the Law Gate. The abbot of that temple led some five hundred monks on both sides to receive him and took him inside. As they met, tea was served, after which a vegetarian meal was presented.

Soon after the meal, dusk fell, and thus Shadows moved to the Star Riverʼs nearing pulse;

The moon was bright without a speck of dust.

The wild geese called from the distant sky,

And washing flails beat from nearby homes.

As birds returned to perch on withered trees,

The Chan monks conversed in their Sanskrit tones.

On rush mats placed upon a single bunk,

They sat until halfway through the night.

Beneath the lamps the various monks discussed Buddhist doctrines and the purpose of seeking scriptures in the Western Heaven.

Some pointed out that the waters were wide and the mountains very high; others mentioned that the roads were crowded with tigers and leopards; still others maintained that the precipitous peaks were difficult to scale; and another group insisted that the vicious monsters were hard to subdue. Tripitaka, however, kept his mouth shut tightly, but he pointed with his finger to his own heart and nodded his head several times. Not perceiving what he meant, the various monks folded their hands and asked, Why did the Master of the Law point to his heart and nod his head?

When the mind is active,

Tripitaka replied, all kinds of māra come into existence; when the mind is extinguished, all kinds of māra will be extinguished. This disciple has already made an important vow before Buddha in the Temple of Transformation, and he has no alternative but to fulfill it with his whole heart. If I go, I shall not turn aside until I have reached the Western Heaven, seen Buddha, and acquired the scriptures so that the Wheel of the Law will be turned to us and the kingdom of our lord will be secured forever. When the various monks heard this statement, everyone congratulated and commended him, saying, A loyal and valiant master! They praised him unceasingly as they escorted him to bed.

Soon The bamboos struck down the setting moon And the cocks crowed to gather the clouds of dawn.

The various monks arose and prepared some tea and the morning meal. Xuanzang put on his cassock and went to worship Buddha in the main hall. Your disciple, Chen Xuanzang, he said, is on his way to seek scriptures in the Western Heaven. But my fleshly eyes are dim and unperceptive and do not recognize the true form of the living Buddha. Now I wish to make a vow: that throughout this journey I shall burn incense whenever I come upon a temple, I shall worship Buddha whenever I meet a Buddha, and I shall sweep a pagoda whenever I reach a pagoda. May our Buddha be merciful and soon reveal to me his Diamond Body sixteen feet tall. May he grant me the true scriptures so that they may be preserved in the Land of the East.

He finished his prayer and went back to the hall for the vegetarian meal, after which his two attendants made ready the saddle and urged him to begin his journey. Going out of the temple’s gate, Tripitaka took leave of the monks, who grieved to see him go. They accompanied him for ten miles before turning back, tears in their eyes, as Tripitaka proceeded directly toward the West. It was the time of late autumn. You see

Trees growing bare in hamlets as rush petals break;

From every maple column the red leaves fall.

Trekkers through paths of mist and rain are few.

The fair chrysanthemums,

The sharp mountain rocks,

Cold streams and cracked lilies all make one sad.

Snow falls from a frosty sky on rushes and reeds.

One duck at dusk descends in the distant void.

Clouds oʼer the wilds move through the gathering gloom.

The swallows depart;

The wild geese appear—

Their cries, though loud, are halting and forlorn.

After traveling for several days, master and disciples arrived at the city of Gongzhou. They were met at once by the various municipal officials of that city, where they spent the night. The next morning they set off again, taking food and drink along the way, resting by night and journeying by day. In two or three days, they arrived at the District of Hezhou, which formed the border of the Great Tang Empire. When the garrison commander of the border as well as the local monks and priests heard that the Master of the Law, a bond brother of the emperor, was on his way to the Western Heaven to see Buddha by royal commission, they received the travelers with due reverence. Some chief priests then invited them to spend the night at Fuyuan Temple, where every resident cleric came to pay respect to the pilgrims. Dinner was served, after which the two attendants were told to feed the horses well, for the Master wanted to leave before dawn. At the first crowing of the cock, he called for his attendants and aroused the monks of that temple. They hastened to prepare tea and breakfast, after which the pilgrims departed from the border.

Because he was somewhat impatient to get going, the Master arose a trifle too early. The fact is that this was late autumn, when cocks crow rather early—at about the time of the fourth watch. Facing the clear frost and the bright moon, the three of them (the horse made up the fourth member of the team) journeyed for some twenty or thirty miles, when they came upon a mountain range. It soon became exceedingly difficult for them to find their way. As they had to poke around in the grass to look for a path, they began to worry that they might be heading in the wrong direction. In that very anxious moment, they suddenly tripped; all three of them as well as the horse tumbled into a deep pit. Tripitaka was terrified; his companions all shook with fear. They were still trembling when they heard voices shouting, Seize them! Seize them!

A violent wind swept by, and a mob of fifty or sixty ogres appeared, who seized Tripitaka with his companions and hauled them out of the pit. Quivering and shivering, the Master of the Law stole a glance around and saw a ferocious Monster King seated up on high. Truly he had

A figure most awesomely bold,

A face most distinctly fierce.

Light flashed from his lightninglike eyes;

All quaked at his thunderous voice.

His sawlike teeth jutted outward,

Like fangs they emerged from his jaws.

Brocade wrapped his body around,

And coiling stripes covered his spine.

They saw flesh through sparse, steely whiskers.

Keen-edged were his claws like sharp swords.

Even Huang Gong of East Sea would fear

This white-browed King of Mount South.

Tripitaka was so frightened that his spirit left him, while the bones of his followers grew weak and their tendons turned numb.

The Monster King shouted for them to be bound, and the various ogres tied up all three of them with ropes. They were being prepared to be eaten when a clamor was heard outside the camp. Someone came in to report:

The Bear Mountain Lord and the Steer Hermit have arrived.

Hearing this, Tripitaka looked up. The first one to come in was a swarthy fellow. How did he look? you ask.

He seemed valiant and courageous,

With body both tough and brawny.

His great strength could ford the waters.

He prowled the woods, flaunting his power.

Ever a good omen in dreams,

He showed now his forceful features.

He could break or climb the green trees,

And predicted when winter was near.

Truly he was most clever.

Hence Mountain Lord was his name.

Following behind him was another husky fellow. How did he look? you ask.

A cap of twin horns rugged,

And a humpback most majestic.

His green robe showed his calm nature,

He walked with a slumberous gait.

He came from a father named Bull;

His motherʼs proper name was Cow.

A great boon to people who plowed,

He was thus called the Steer Hermit.

The two of them swaggered in, and the Monster King hurried out to receive them. The Bear Mountain Lord said, You are in top form, General Yin. Congratulations! Congratulations!

General Yin looks better than ever, said the Steer Hermit. It’s marvelous! It’s marvelous!

And you two gentlemen, how have you been these days? asked the Monster King. Just maintaining my idleness, said the Mountain Lord. Just keeping up with the times, said the Hermit. After these exchanges, they sat down to chat some more.

Meanwhile, one of Tripitaka’s attendants was bound so tightly that he began to moan pitifully. How did these three get here? asked the swarthy fellow. They practically presented themselves at the door! said the Monster King. Can they be used for the guests’ dinner? asked the Hermit, laughing. By all means! said the Monster King. Let’s not finish them all up, said the Mountain Lord.

We’ll dine on two of them and leave one over.

The Monster King agreed. He called his subordinates at once to have the attendants eviscerated and their carcasses carved up; their heads, hearts, and livers were to be presented to the guests, the limbs to the host, and the remaining portions of flesh and bone to the rest of the ogres. The moment the order was given, the ogres pounced on the attendants like tigers preying on sheep: munching and crunching, they devoured them in no time at all. The priest nearly died of fear, for this, you see, was his first bitter ordeal since his departure from Chang’an.

As he was nursing his horror, light began to grow in the east. The two monsters did not retire until dawn. Saying, We’re beholden to your generous hospitality today. Permit us to repay in kind in another time, they left together. Soon the sun rose high in the sky, but Tripitaka was still in a stupor, unable to discern which way was north, south, east, or west. In that half-dead condition, he suddenly saw an old man approaching, holding a staff in his hands. Walking up to Tripitaka, the man waved his hands and all the ropes snapped. He then blew on Tripitaka, and the monk began to revive. Falling on the ground, he said, I thank the aged father for saving the life of this poor monk!

Get up, the old man said, returning his salute, have you lost anything?

The followers of your poor monk, said Tripitaka, have been eaten by the monsters. I have no idea where my horse is or my luggage.

Isn’t that your horse over there with the two bundles? asked the old man, pointing with his staff. Tripitaka turned around and discovered that his belongings had indeed remained untouched. Somewhat relieved, he asked the old man, Aged father, what is this place? How do you happen to be here?

It is called the Double-Fork Ridge, a place infested with tigers and wolves. How did you manage to get here?

At the first crow of the cock, said Tripitaka, your poor monk left the District of Hezhou. Little did I realize that we had risen too early, and we lost our way tramping through fog and dew. We came upon this Monster King so exceedingly ferocious that he captured me and my two followers. There was also a swarthy fellow called the Bear Mountain Lord and a husky fellow called the Steer Hermit. They arrived and addressed the Monster King as General Yin. All three of them devoured my two followers and retired only at dawn. I have no idea where I accrued the fortune and merit that caused the aged father to rescue me here.

That Steer Hermit, said the old man, is a wild bull spirit; the Mountain Lord, a bear spirit; and General Yin, a tiger spirit. The various ogres are all demons of mountains and trees, spirits of strange beasts and wolves. Because of the primal purity of your nature, they cannot devour you. Follow me now, and I shall lead you on your way.

Tripitaka could not be more thankful. Fastening the bundles on the saddle and leading his horse, he followed the old man out of the pit and walked toward the main road. He tied the horse to the bushes beside the path and turned to thank the aged father. At that moment a gentle breeze swept by, and the old man rose into the air and left, riding on a white crane with a crimson head. As the wind subsided, a slip of paper fluttered down, with four lines of verse written on it:

I am the Planet Venus from the West,

Who came to save you by special request,

Some pupils divine will come to your aid.

Blame not the scriptures for hardships ahead.

When Tripitaka read this, he bowed toward the sky saying, I thank the Gold Star for seeing me through this ordeal.

After that, he led his horse off again on his lonely and melancholy journey.

On this ridge truly you have

Cold and soughing, the wind of the rainforest;

Purling and gurgling, the water of the brooklets;

Fragrant and musky, wildflowers in bloom;

In clutters and clumps, rough rocks piled high;

Reviews for Journey to the West - vol. 2

[Nuryta · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

"Journey to the West: The Adventures of the Monkey King," anonymous
When I saw it recommended on Alibrate, I found it interesting in my desire to read more classics of Eastern literature. Generally, it is an enjoyable read, though it tends to have many repetitions, which can make it a bit tiring at times. Like most novels, it has a first part where the characters are introduced, their lives are explored, and how they reached the point where the central story of the book begins. This is how we get to know the five heroes of the story.
The monk Tang, called Tripitaka, who in this reincarnation is responsible for seeking the sacred scriptures and must undertake a journey to the West to the sacred Temple of the Western Paradise, where he will have the opportunity to meet the great Buddha. As a mere mortal, he requires the support of special beings assigned to him, whom he will meet along the way.
Of course, we first meet the Pilgrim Sun Wu-Kung (Great Sage Equal to Heaven), of whom we get a broad description from his birth, his own journey of learning powers, his multiple pranks on earth and in the sky until he meets his master Tripitaka, with whom he will begin the journey to the West and his process of transformation into an immortal follower of Buddhism and Taoism. He is the one who, despite his peculiar character, loves his master the most and, thanks to his knowledge and skills, is always willing to give everything for his guide and his brothers.
We also have Ba-Chie, whose religious name is Chu Wu-Neng, an unstoppable glutton whose greed and impatience lead him to not a few problems. Additionally, we find the third disciple, the Bonzo Sha or Wu-Ching, somewhat more submissive and humble, always ready to care for his master and serve as a balance between the Pilgrim and Ba-Chie. And finally, the horse that is actually a dragon, which also accompanies monk Chang.
All the adventures recounted are part of a process in which the characters embark to grow spiritually and transform into immortals through the knowledge of the principles of Buddhism and Taoism, facing 81 trials filled with great dangers and struggles against demons for 14 years, while spreading the message of Virtue to all they meet along the way.
Thus, they will achieve the purification of their bodies and spirits until they reach absolute perfection. It is a very long, but entertaining tale; I couldn't read it all at once, so I alternated it with other books over 3 months, but it is certainly worth it, and I recommend it.
Read in 2021.
P.S.: If you liked this review or any of our colleagues' and decide to reward it with a like, you must do so in the big heart ? where it says: Did you like this review? Or just in case, in the hearts. Thank you very much!! (Translated from Spanish)

[Mandarino · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Reading this book is an entire journey, but to the East five centuries ago when it was written, plunging us into an epic adventure full of teachings, impossible characters like seven-headed demons, rich Buddhist philosophies, humor, magic, gratuitous violence, armies of gods, delicate poetry, and thrilling battles... A long path of 2,500 pages in search of the sacred writings of Buddha and Virtue. The story that inspired Dragon Ball has nothing to envy from Akira Toriyama's narrative. (Translated from Spanish)

[toni leon · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

One of the masterpieces of Chinese literature. It is part of its mythology and gives us an understanding of the two great Chinese philosophical thoughts: Taoism and Buddhism. (Translated from Spanish)

[cesarale · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Very cool (Translated from Spanish)

[Sebas1213 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Bazingaaaaaaaaaaa. It is a grail between universal and Eastern literature. The stories are fantastic. I'm on page one thousand, but it is very enjoyable. This book is one of my most treasured literary treasures. (Translated from Spanish)

[PedroLector · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Although it is a rather long book, it is worth reading. A friend recommended it to me, and I will always be grateful to him. With a style that is both simple and cultured, it is capable of transporting us to the very heart of Chinese culture and Buddhism. (Translated from Spanish)

[watanabe21 ? · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

One of the best Eastern mythological books so well written that it completely envelops you, showcasing a protagonist so "pure" that he ventures on a journey full of dangers with powerful beings, allowing us to meet each one of them (you can imagine among demons, witches, monsters, and other terrifying beings) that are difficult to navigate, sharing such adventures alongside 3 disciples (great immortals that no one bets on anymore) with the promise of reaching the light and fullness of Buddha.

As the story progresses, these 4 travelers will come to know themselves, becoming best friends.

Every lover of classic literature definitely needs to have it on their shelf. After all, countless movies, comic strips, comics, theater, songs, poems, ufffff, and endless art have been created that evoke the wonders of Chinese culture. (Translated from Spanish)

[Tirso (Sweet) · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A mandatory reference for understanding the Eastern universe and... A déjà vu for Dragon Ball fans. (Translated from Spanish)

[XXX3W · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A classic of Chinese literature. Somewhat heavy to read, and repetitive in certain circumstances, but each one has its own essence. (Translated from Spanish)