ISSN : 1229-9618(Print)
ISSN : 2671-7506(Online)
ISSN : 2671-7506(Online)
Chinese Studies Vol.54 pp.115-132
DOI : https://doi.org/10.14378/KACS.2016.54.54.6
DOI : https://doi.org/10.14378/KACS.2016.54.54.6
A Buddhist Reading of Zhu Bajie in the Journey to the West
Abstract
Journey to the West is a fiction that depicts how different layers of the mind function in their sublimation. Therefore, its various characters include Buddhist symbols and figures. In this thesis, I particularly focus on the name and abode of Zhu Bajie, his livelihood as a son-in-law who lives with his wife's family, and his relationship with Monkey King. By reviewing these aspects, I aim to figure out what Buddhist symbols and figures are contained in the characters and what Buddhist theme they are meant to realize.
Zhu Bajie has several names of Marshal Tian peng, Zhu Ganglie, Zhu Wuneng, and Zhu Bajie. The names symbolize the greatest passion (Marshal Tian peng), self-obsession (Zhu Ganglie), instructions to realize the parity of subject and object (Zhu Wuneng), and plan to realize self-sublimation (Zhu Bajie), respectively. Zhu Bajie’s abode has rich symbolic implication. The Western Tibet China is the moon country and the name shows that how Zhu Bajie is currently preoccupied with objectified truth. Fuling Hill suggests that Zhu Bajie commits the error of seeking the truth like building a mountain out of blessings which he accumulates. Yunzhan Cavern shows that since Zhu Bajie walks on a fictive path, he is not going to reach his destination by a long shot. Zhu Bajie is obsessed with Lady in the Moon, Lady Mao, and Cuilan who symbolize the moon. While the moon resembles the sun, the former is not the sun. Then, Zhu Bajie is obsessed with quasi-truth which represents the objectified truth. And that means walking in the opposite direction from opening one’s eyes to truth. This is effectively described by the fact that Zhu Bajie spends his whole lifetime as a son-in-law living with his wife's family. Next, the essence of Zhu Bajie’s self-consciousness is excellently elucidated by his relationship with Monkey King. Monkey King keeps watch on Zhu Bajie, which constitutes the core of the Journey to the west. For Buddhist truth, it is revealed through the practice of illuminating and observing (Monkey King) the workings of mind (Zhu Bajie). When the journey to the west is completed, Zhu Bajie received the name of Messenger Jingtan from Sakyamuni. It is a name symbolizing his arrival in a pure place through endless effort over an extended period of time. The name also suggests that 84,000 passions, which Zhu Bajie held at his departure, have become no different than 84,000 wisdoms.
Zhu Bajie has several names of Marshal Tian peng, Zhu Ganglie, Zhu Wuneng, and Zhu Bajie. The names symbolize the greatest passion (Marshal Tian peng), self-obsession (Zhu Ganglie), instructions to realize the parity of subject and object (Zhu Wuneng), and plan to realize self-sublimation (Zhu Bajie), respectively. Zhu Bajie’s abode has rich symbolic implication. The Western Tibet China is the moon country and the name shows that how Zhu Bajie is currently preoccupied with objectified truth. Fuling Hill suggests that Zhu Bajie commits the error of seeking the truth like building a mountain out of blessings which he accumulates. Yunzhan Cavern shows that since Zhu Bajie walks on a fictive path, he is not going to reach his destination by a long shot. Zhu Bajie is obsessed with Lady in the Moon, Lady Mao, and Cuilan who symbolize the moon. While the moon resembles the sun, the former is not the sun. Then, Zhu Bajie is obsessed with quasi-truth which represents the objectified truth. And that means walking in the opposite direction from opening one’s eyes to truth. This is effectively described by the fact that Zhu Bajie spends his whole lifetime as a son-in-law living with his wife's family. Next, the essence of Zhu Bajie’s self-consciousness is excellently elucidated by his relationship with Monkey King. Monkey King keeps watch on Zhu Bajie, which constitutes the core of the Journey to the west. For Buddhist truth, it is revealed through the practice of illuminating and observing (Monkey King) the workings of mind (Zhu Bajie). When the journey to the west is completed, Zhu Bajie received the name of Messenger Jingtan from Sakyamuni. It is a name symbolizing his arrival in a pure place through endless effort over an extended period of time. The name also suggests that 84,000 passions, which Zhu Bajie held at his departure, have become no different than 84,000 wisdoms.