Session 9: Sun Wukong Builds His Empire with Arms Taken from the Dragon Kings
- liz zhang
- Jan 4
- 2 min read
We will explore how Sun Wukong’s character becomes more ambitious, and even reckless during his quest for weapons and armor. We’ll also discuss parallels between Sun Wukong’s traits and the characteristics of modern individuals who embody similar ambitions and qualities.
Key Questions for Reflection:
Q: How many kinds of monsters came to pay homage to the Monkey King? (72)
How did the Monkey King manage to rule such a diverse array of creatures? What leadership traits does this reveal?
Q: What suggestion did the apes and gibbons make about obtaining weapons from the country of Aolai? What was Sun Wukong’s reaction, and how did his thoughts and actions reflect his evolving character?
Q: How did Sun Wukong acquire weapons from the country of Aolai?
What does this reveal about his approach to problem-solving and authority?
Q: How many monkeys were there in the empire ruled by the Handsome Monkey King?
Q: Was Sun Wukong pleased with the weapons grabbed from the country of Aolai?
Q: How did Sun Wukong introduce himself to the yaksha demon? How did the Old Dragon King of Eastern Ocean treat Sun Wukong? What do you observe in the cultivated behavior in Sun Wukong and the Old Dragon King of Eastern Ocean?
Sun Wukong said, ”If I hadn't got this cudgel, that would be the end of the matter, but as I have got it the problem is that I don't have−the clothes to go with it. What are we to do about it? If you have any armour here, I'd be most obliged if you gave me a suit."
Q: What does this statement reveal about Sun Wukong’s character and his sense of entitlement?
Q: What was the origin of the As-You-Wish Golden-banded Stick?
Q: How much was the weight of As-You-Wish Golden-banded Stick?
What is the symbolic meaning of the number of weight?
Q: What is the symbolic notion behind the As-You-Wish Golden-Banded Stick?
I am Chuan, living in Prague of Czech Republic.
This time I read that in order to protect his monkey children and Mount Flower and Fruit, Sun Wukong went to Aolai Country to find weapons. Relying on his ability to change into 72 different forms, he used magic power to steal the weapons instead of buying them. Since he didn't have any suitable weapons, Sun Wukong listened to the advice of the four veteran monkeys and went to the Dragon King of the Eastern Sea to find weapons. Without greeting the Dragon King, he used magic to go to the door of someone else's house and rudely said, “Why don't you know me? I'm your neighbor.” In contrast, the Dragon…