Sun Wukong's Adventures in Hell – From Demons to Buddhas
In the realm of Chinese mythology, few characters have captured the imagination of readers and listeners as Sun Wukong, also known as the Monkey King. He is an iconic figure from one of China's most beloved classics, "Journey to the West," which forms part of a collection known as "Chinese Mythology 100 Stories" or "China God Stories." This rich tapestry of tales offers a glimpse into China's deep-rooted cultural heritage and its belief system.
The story begins with Sun Wukong being born from a stone on Flower Fruit Mountain. As he grows in power and strength, he becomes arrogant and starts causing trouble for heaven and earth. Eventually, he is subdued by Buddha himself and imprisoned under Mount Tai for 500 years. After his release, he embarks on a journey to India with three other companions: Zhu Bajie (Pigsy), Sha Wujing (Sandy), and Tang Sanzang (Tripitaka).
One day during their travels, they come across the River Styx-like entrance to hell called Jigoku Bridge. The guardian at this bridge tells them that anyone who crosses it will be sent back in time by five hundred years if they are not pure enough in heart. However, Tang Sanzang has made a vow never to return home before completing his mission.
To help their master complete his journey without breaking his vow while ensuring they can cross Jigoku Bridge safely together without losing any time or purity of heart, Sun Wukong devises an ingenious plan involving three disguises: Lohan (Bodhisattva) Zhulian; Li Jing (the Heavenly General); and Qingyuan Xingjun.
Each disguise represents different aspects of Buddhism—compassion through Lohan Zhulian; justice through Li Jing; and wisdom through Qingyuan Xingjun—and demonstrates how these principles can guide individuals along their path towards enlightenment.
Throughout this adventure into hellish realms filled with demons like Pockmarked Granny Ghosts who torment souls trapped between life after death worlds by asking them about things they cannot know unless already deceased themselves or Hua Jiushou who appears like an old man but turns out to be demon king Yama when provoked due only because someone was trying too hard not fail at becoming more pious than him so far - we see many instances where compassion does save lives even though it means giving up precious items that could make one strong against evil forces waiting outside such places seeking victims now desperate ones craving protection anywhere possible just hoping there would always be those willing stand up fight injustice no matter cost especially love ones’ safety since then everyone knows what real friendship truly means now you understand better why your family members did everything possible protect each other whenever danger lurked nearby?
