In our last session, we explored the various layers of enlightenment, emphasizing that true enlightenment goes beyond an idea—it must be accompanied by action. Just like the Monkey King, who, upon hearing the gibbon’s mention of three immortal beings living in the human world, resolved to begin his journey the very next day. He crossed oceans and continents in his determined search for the Way of Immortality.
Upon arriving at the Southern Jambu Continent, the Monkey King learned to adapt to human ways while mindfully inquiring about the path to immortality. Observing that the people in the human world were consumed by the pursuit of fame and fortune, he pressed onward, eventually traveling to the Northern Continent of Cattle-Gift. There, a woodcutter guided him toward finding an immortal.
Session Focus:
In Session 4, we will follow the Monkey King on his long, relentless journey to find the truth of the Way.
Key Questions for Reflection:
Q: How did the Monkey King learn to be human?
When will the struggle for fame and fortune end?
Toiling from morning till night, never pleasing yourself.
Those who ride donkeys long for stallions,
The Prime Minister always wants to be a prince.
They only worry about having to stop work to eat or dress;
They never fear that the King of Hell will come to get them.
When trying to ensure their sons and grandsons inherit their wealth and power,
They have no time to stop and think.
Q: What did the Monkey King observe about humans?
What are your reflections on the above passage?
Q: How many years did the Monkey King search for the secret of eternal youth in the Southern Jambu Continent?
How did he conduct his search in both the Southern and Northern Continents?
Q: Why did the Immortal only teach the woodcutter a chant?
What was the purpose of the chant?
Q: Why didn’t the woodcutter follow the Immortal to cultivate his conduct?
The Monkey King replied to the woodcutter, "you're a filial son and a gentleman−−you're bound to be rewarded for it one day.”
Q: Why did the Monkey King say this?
What kind of reward might come from the woodcutter’s filial piety and virtuous conduct?
Wei's reflection (2024.11.22)
I'm Wei, from Belgium.
I was really touched when Crystal pointed out the monkey king's perseverance on searching immortal with great responsibility to all monkeys, while most people might give up in few years. Herself had reached the point of nearly giving up, as after years searching, it seems a mission impossible. It did happen to me with a failed first attempt. About 30 years ago, I was shocked by my grandma's passing away, so I did seriously search for answers to my life questions: 'what is this difference between death and sleep besides breathing?' ' What is the purpose of life, since death is inevitable?' Just after few months asking around to professors and seniors family…
Wukong is a beloved hero in the hearts of every Chinese child. Reading about his backstory before embarking on his journey to the West is fascinating and inspiring. Throughout different stages of his life, he has been known by various names, such as Stone Monkey, Handsome Monkey King, Wukong, and Great Sage Equaling Heaven, among others.
In Session 4, the story focuses on the Monkey King's quest to uncover the secret of immortality and his search for wisdom in both the human and divine realms. It explores themes of perseverance, humility, and the contrast between worldly desires and spiritual aspirations, setting the stage for Wukong’s transformative journey. This session deepened my understanding of why Wukong became the legendary figure he…
I am Chuan, living in Prague of Czech Republic.
When I read the part of the Journey to the West that describes the nature of human life, I'm very impressed. From the time of the Journey to the West to our present day in the 21st century, although our current technology is more advanced than before and life is very convenient, our state and pattern of life is still not much different from that of the people at the time. We all live for material things, money, fame, food, sleep, worrying about what to wear, what to eat, where to travel, what to feed our children, where to find good food and fun, etc. every day. Why is this so?…
I’ve come to realize that, while I am human, I must ask myself: Have I truly read the user manual on being human? If we endlessly chase wealth and success, what are the consequences? From a medical perspective, if the Earth is a body, then we are its cells. But can cells grow indefinitely? If they do, it becomes abnormal, and we call it cancer.
One sentence resonates deeply with me: “When trying to ensure their sons and grandsons inherit their wealth and power, they have no time to stop and think.” How can we be good ancestors? We could achieve success through the systems and environment cultivated by our ancestors. But what seeds are we planting for future generations?…
Persevering for a Clear and Long-term Goal
Walter Elliot once said, "Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after another." What does it mean to have one race after another? Interests and hobbies can lead us through a short race, impulses can push us through another, and even mistakes can set us on yet another journey. Yet, the series of races must ultimately stem from a clear and long-term goal.
Looking back at my youth, I had no understanding of perseverance and never thought about consistently striving for one thing. I had numerous hobbies—playing guitar, skating, rock climbing—and often immersed myself in my little world. Once I got started, I felt like the Monkey King on the…