VIAJE AL OESTE Las Aventuras del Rey Mono cap 1

Journey to the West: The Adventures of the Monkey King - Chapter 1

The Divine Origin and Chaos

• The narrative begins with the concept that everything has its origin in a divine root, emphasizing the Tao as a direct source of morality.

• Initially, there existed chaos; heaven and earth were indistinguishable, shrouded in thick fog that no human eye could penetrate. Panku dispersed this fog with his immense strength.

• The text describes a cyclical division of time into periods of 129,600 years, further subdivided into twelve epochs lasting 10,800 years each.

Epochs and Their Significance

• Each epoch corresponds to specific times of day; for instance, "Shou" aligns with dawn when darkness prevails until the rooster crows.

• As time progresses through these epochs, daily activities emerge—people prepare for breakfast at "Yin," while families gather for evening meals at "Wei."

• After five millennia of darkness (the era known as "Chaos"), creative forces began to act slowly during the subsequent epoch.

Emergence of Light and Creation

• Following another five thousand four hundred years, spring heralded new beginnings; light finally formed celestial bodies like the sun and moon.

• This period solidified both heaven and earth; it is noted that principles of yin and yang emerged from their union during this time.

• Another cycle passed before essential elements—water, fire, metal, wood, and earth—were established.

The Rise of Life

• With the arrival of the "Jin" epoch after extensive cycles, life began to flourish as if responding to an eternal spring.

• During this miraculous period where heaven met earth harmoniously, all creatures—including beasts and humans—came into existence under three governing forces: heaven, earth, and man.

Division of Continents

• After Panku organized the universe completely, moral laws were established by revered leaders across four major continents: East (Baba), West (Hamburg), South (Utara), North (Curo).

• The focus remains on the eastern continent where notable locations include a renowned nation near serene waters—the Mountain of Flowers and Fruits was formed alongside other islands during creation.

Description of Natural Beauty

• The mountain's beauty is likened to an emperor among seas; waves crash against it like silver mountains transforming into tiny snowflakes.

A Glimpse into a Mythical Paradise

Description of the Enchanted Island

• The island is depicted as serene and tranquil, contrasting with the rugged peaks that fiercely plunge into the sea. The mountains are adorned in violet hues at twilight, concealing their formidable rocky bravura.

• Unique creatures inhabit this extraordinary place, including long-lived deer, immortal foxes, divine owls, and black-feathered storks. The flora remains vibrant year-round; grass never dries out and flowers do not wilt.

• Spring is eternal on this island where cypress and pine trees thrive alongside peach trees perpetually in bloom. Vines bear heavy fruit while bamboo reaches heights that sometimes halt the clouds' swift movement.

• This paradise features over a hundred rivers converging at its peak, where an immortal rock stands 36.5 feet tall with a circumference of exactly 24 feet—symbolically representing the solar year and daily hours for humans.

Birth of a Stone Monkey

• The rock contains nine deep holes and eight smaller ones correlating to celestial bodies: nine constellations and eight planets. Despite lacking vegetation, it was nourished by seeds from heaven and earth until it became pregnant with a supernatural embryo.

• After a lengthy gestation period, the rock unexpectedly birthed a stone egg which transformed into a monkey upon exposure to natural elements—a creature resembling those known today. It quickly learned to run and climb trees proficiently.

Emergence of Powers

• Upon mastering these skills, the monkey reverently bowed to all four cardinal points; this act triggered miraculous rays from its eyes that reached even the palace of Polaris, catching the attention of the benevolent Jade Emperor in his heavenly abode.

• Surprised by this phenomenon's brilliance, the Jade Emperor dispatched emissaries to investigate its source—the mountain known for its flowers and fruits—where they discovered that elements had transformed a stone being into an animated creature capable of emitting powerful rays from its eyes.

Interaction with Celestial Beings

• The emperor expressed mild concern about these new beings emerging from nature but acknowledged their surprising behaviors as part of life's cycle stemming from heaven's union with earth; he remained compassionate towards them despite their antics disrupting earthly order.

Life on the Island

• As time passed, the monkey adapted well to life on the island—eating fruits and drinking from numerous rivers while forming friendships with various animals like tigers and leopards but considering other monkeys as family members instead.

Exploration of the Waterfall and Its Mysteries

The Monkeys' Adventure Begins

• The monkeys engage in playful activities, such as grooming themselves and chasing each other among the pines, despite the dangers involved.

• They are captivated by a torrent's powerful current, comparing its tumultuous flow to melons crashing against rocks, which sparks their curiosity about its source.

Discovering the Source of the Water

• The monkeys decide to follow the water upstream to uncover its origin, expressing excitement about this adventure as a way to pass time.

• Their journey leads them to an awe-inspiring waterfall that leaves them speechless; it appears like a tall column adorned with beautiful rainbows.

The Beauty of Nature

• The waterfall is described as a stunning curtain hanging from clouds, creating an enchanting scene filled with white waves reminiscent of nonexistent breezes.

• Enthralled by its beauty, they express their admiration and speculate on where the water flows next, suggesting it might lead to the ocean.

A Brave Challenge

• A challenge is proposed: whoever crosses through the waterfall and returns safely will be crowned king. Initially met with silence, one brave monkey steps forward.

• This courageous monkey leaps through the waterfall confidently, likened to a king entering his palace.

Discoveries Beyond the Waterfall

• Upon crossing, he finds himself on a shining iron bridge over flowing water that may feed into the magnificent waterfall he just traversed.

• He spots what seems like an important palace shrouded in mist; it has numerous windows indicating many rooms within.

Observations of Home-like Qualities

• The palace features floral motifs on its walls and is surrounded by well-kept gardens suggesting habitation by someone significant.

• Signs of life are evident with remnants of a fire and dining items scattered around, reinforcing that this place feels more like home than mere grandeur.

Revelation and Return Journey

• After confirming his findings are real rather than dreams, he discovers an inscription declaring this land sacred—a hidden world behind the waterfall.

• Excitedly returning through the waterfall again, he shares his discoveries with fellow monkeys who eagerly await details about what lies beyond.

Description of His Findings

The Enchanted Realm of the Stone Monkey

Description of the Sacred Land

• The narrative begins with a vivid description of a magnificent stone mansion surrounded by a lush garden filled with trees and flowers, emphasizing its abundance and beauty.

• A significant inscription at the center of a bridge declares this place as "the sacred land of the mountain of flowers and fruits," hinting at its mystical qualities.

• The environment is portrayed as peaceful and spacious, capable of accommodating countless beings, suggesting an ideal living situation free from worldly troubles.

• The setting is described as eternally vibrant, where flowers never wilt and everything shines like gold, creating an enchanting atmosphere that captivates the characters.

• Curiosity drives the monkeys to leap into this new world despite initial hesitation, showcasing their adventurous spirit.

Arrival and Initial Reactions

• Upon arrival on the bridge, chaos ensues as monkeys rush towards stone cooking utensils, indicating their excitement but also their lack of decorum in this newfound paradise.

• The stone monkey takes a commanding position to address his fellow monkeys about their promise to honor him as king if he successfully led them through the curtain of water.

• He reminds them that true bravery requires respect for promises made among peers, leading to feelings of shame among the other monkeys when they realize they have forgotten their commitment.

• In response to his call for respect, all monkeys humbly bow before him, marking his official coronation as "the beautiful king of monkeys." This moment signifies unity among them.

• An ancient poem recounting the origins of this divine monkey adds depth to his character by linking him to celestial elements like heaven and earth.

Life Under the Beautiful King

• The newly crowned king selects brave and intelligent subjects for leadership roles without envy or resentment; this establishes a cooperative governance structure within their community.

• Their idyllic existence includes daily routines such as exploring nature during daylight hours while retreating to safety at night in their cave—a symbol of divine protection.

• Monkeys live harmoniously without interference from other creatures, focusing solely on their happiness and independence throughout different seasons by gathering food accordingly.

A Shift in Emotion

• Despite enjoying peace for centuries, one day during a banquet, sadness overtakes the beautiful king unexpectedly—tears flow down his cheeks signaling deeper concerns beyond mere contentment.

The Quest for Immortality

The Nature of Existence and Independence

• The speaker reflects on the unique existence of beings who have escaped human influence, emphasizing their independence as a significant blessing.

• Despite this independence, the king of monkeys acknowledges that they are not free from the ultimate power of death, raising existential concerns about mortality.

• The realization of their non-immortal status leads to despair among the monkeys, highlighting their fear of eventual disappearance.

Knowledge and Wisdom

• A lower-ranking monkey asserts that only three classes of beings—Buddhas, immortals, and sages—have truly escaped death's tyranny.

• These enlightened beings have broken free from the cycle of birth and death, achieving an existence parallel to eternal elements like heaven and earth.

The Journey Begins

• The king expresses his determination to seek out these extraordinary beings residing in distant mountains to learn the secret of eternal youth.

• His subjects enthusiastically support his quest, planning a farewell banquet filled with abundant fruits and delicacies before his departure.

Farewell Banquet Preparations

• Monkeys gather various fruits and flowers to create a lavish feast for their king as he prepares for his journey.

• Descriptions highlight the opulence of the banquet table adorned with exotic foods that symbolize abundance and joy.

Setting Sail for Immortality

• After a day-long celebration, the king instructs his subjects on building a raft for his voyage across deep waters in search of immortality.

The Journey of the Monkey King

The Quest for Origins and Immortality

• The protagonist, driven by a predestined purpose, embarks on a journey to uncover the mysteries of origins and death, feeling defeated yet determined as he navigates through vast distances.

• Upon reaching land after a long voyage, he observes vibrant activity among people engaged in various tasks like fishing and hunting, highlighting the liveliness of human endeavors.

• The arrival of the fierce monkey king causes panic among locals; however, one fearless individual remains unfazed and is stripped of his clothes by the monkey with surprising skill.

Adaptation Among Humans

• The monkey king adapts to human life, mastering their customs while maintaining an underlying focus on seeking wisdom from immortals regarding eternal youth.

• He realizes that humans are consumed by greed and fame, oblivious to their inevitable mortality; none express concern about death despite its certainty.

Human Folly and Ambition

• Individuals pursue wealth relentlessly—dreaming of power or divinity—while ignoring the futility of their ambitions; this obsession leads them to accumulate riches for future generations who will face similar fates.

• This collective blindness towards mortality renders the monkey king's quest for immortality seemingly futile as no one values it.

Continued Search Across Continents

• Undeterred by previous failures, the monkey king travels extensively over 89 years until he reaches a new continent where he hopes to find answers about immortality.

• After constructing another raft, he sets sail across an immense ocean believing that beyond the horizon lies the home of immortals.

Discovery in Nature's Majesty

• Arriving at what appears to be an uninhabited land, his spirits lift upon discovering a majestic mountain shrouded in clouds—a symbol of hope amidst desolation.

• Ignoring potential dangers from wildlife, he climbs this mountain driven by awe-inspiring beauty that distracts him from fear.

A Symphony of Life

• As he ascends further into a breathtaking landscape filled with lush greenery and diverse flora, his worries fade away amid nature’s splendor.

• The rich ecosystem around him resonates with life—the intertwining trees and hidden paths create an enchanting atmosphere that captivates his senses.

Encountering Mysteries at the Summit

• At last reaching the summit after overcoming numerous challenges, he feels connected to something greater than himself—a sense that this place holds profound secrets waiting to be uncovered.

A Journey into the Forest and the Quest for Immortality

The Leñador's Life and Philosophy

• A leñador (woodcutter) expresses his love for chess, but reveals a deeper passion for nature, particularly the sound of chopping wood and wandering through forests.

• He finds joy in simple pleasures, such as trading firewood for rice at the market, emphasizing a carefree attitude towards life despite the approaching winter.

• The leñador describes his existence as peaceful yet monotonous, finding comfort in nature while resting under pine roots and gazing at the moon.

• His humble lifestyle is marked by hard work; he collects wood to sustain himself and his aging mother, valuing family over wealth or honor.

• The narrative introduces a mystical element when a monkey king discovers him in the forest, intrigued by his unique attire made from natural materials.

Encounter with the Monkey King

• The monkey king approaches the leñador, seeking wisdom about immortality due to his own fears of death. He believes that this man must possess secrets because of his song about sobriety and Taoist teachings.

• The leñador feels embarrassed by being mistaken for an immortal; he insists he is just an ordinary man struggling to make ends meet.

• Despite their differences, the monkey king is fascinated by how they share a language. The leñador attributes his knowledge of songs to a neighbor who taught him poetry rather than true wisdom.

Wisdom vs. Practicality

• The conversation shifts to philosophical themes as they discuss Taoism; however, the leñador claims ignorance regarding its deeper meanings or practices.

• He explains that he recites poems not out of spiritual pursuit but as advice from a friend who believed it would bring peace during tough times.

Life's Hardships

• When questioned about why he doesn't pursue eternal youth instead of learning poems, the leñador shares personal hardships: losing parents early led him to work tirelessly for survival.

• His dedication to caring for his elderly mother drives him daily into the forest for firewood—his only means of sustenance—and reflects on life's challenges rather than seeking immortality.

Conclusion: Seeking Guidance from Immortals

• Recognizing the leñador's piety and hard work, the monkey king expresses admiration and requests guidance from an immortal nearby known as "the mountain of heart and mind."

The Journey to the Cave of Immortality

The Venerable Master and His Teachings

• A venerable figure has guided thousands of disciples throughout his long life, with around 30 to 40 followers currently adhering to his teachings.

• The protagonist, a monkey king, is eager to seek wisdom but faces resistance from a woodcutter who prioritizes caring for his mother and gathering resources.

The Path to the Cave

• The monkey king embarks on a narrow and winding path leading to the cave, which is described as challenging yet beautiful.

• Upon nearing the cave's entrance, he observes a stunning landscape filled with cypress trees and bamboo shoots that evoke a refreshing atmosphere.

Enchantment of the Surroundings

• A vibrant carpet of flowers surrounds the cave, enhancing its serene beauty alongside moss-covered rocks that give an ancient appearance.

• The area feels untouched by human presence, embodying tranquility reminiscent of creation itself.

Discovering the Cave's Entrance

• An imposing stone sign marks the cave's entrance, inscribed with artistic letters proclaiming it as "the mountain of heart and mind" and "the cave of three stars."

• This discovery excites the monkey king as he realizes that legends about this place are true.

Encounter with an Immortal Being

• Hesitant to disturb the peace around him, he chooses not to enter immediately but instead enjoys nature until he sees an immortal emerge from within.

• The young immortal possesses an ethereal grace and appears both wise beyond years yet youthful in demeanor.

Dialogue with the Young Immortal

• When questioned about his presence, the monkey king humbly identifies himself as a seeker of immortality.

• The young immortal reveals that he was expecting someone interested in Taoism based on his master's earlier words.

Entering the Realm of Wisdom

• Welcomed into the cave by the young immortal, they navigate through intricate passages adorned with artistic stone arches.

• Despite being captivated by their surroundings, the monkey king focuses on keeping pace with his guide through this labyrinthine space.

Meeting the Venerable Master

• They arrive at a jade platform where a venerable master sits surrounded by lesser immortals; his presence radiates profound intelligence and purity.

The Encounter with the Venerable Master

The King's Humble Request

• The king of monkeys, upon seeing the venerable master, immediately prostrates himself and acknowledges him as the wisest teacher.

• He expresses a desire to become a disciple, revealing his origin from a cave in the distant land of Turba Bidea.

Doubts About Authenticity

• The venerable master doubts the king's claims, calling him an impostor and questioning how he could be interested in true enlightenment.

• The king insists on his truthfulness, stating that he has traveled for over ten years to reach this point.

Character and Origins

• The venerable master asks about the king's nature; the king describes himself as peaceful and unperturbed by insults or violence.

• When pressed about his parentage, the king reveals he has no parents but was born from a rock on Flower and Fruit Mountain.

Acknowledgment of Uniqueness

• The venerable master acknowledges the uniqueness of the king’s origins, suggesting that few can claim heaven and earth as their parents.

• After observing his walking style, which resembles that of a monkey, he decides to give him a name based on his appearance.

Naming Ceremony

• The master explains how names are derived from significant characteristics; thus, he proposes "U" (meaning female elder).

• He elaborates on why "U" is appropriate due to its connection with Taoist principles regarding childhood.

Embracing New Identity

• Excitedly accepting his new surname "U," the king requests an additional name for everyday use.

• The venerable master shares that all disciples receive names based on twelve principles; since U belongs to group ten (the awakened), he suggests "Sankul," meaning 'Awakened to Nothingness.'

Conclusion of Transformation

• With joy at receiving an appropriate name reflecting his essence, U feels ready for new endeavors such as writing.