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Return of the Mind Monkey to the Path of Truth and Goodness

The Nature of Mind and Buddha

• The chapter discusses the profound connection between mind and Buddha, asserting that both hold equal significance in understanding reality.

• It emphasizes that true understanding transcends concepts such as form, emptiness, existence, and non-existence, suggesting a unity within all things.

• To grasp these truths deeply, one must submit to Sakyamuni (Buddha) and renounce all actions.

Encounter with the Guardian of the Mountain

• Tripitaka and his companions hear a loud voice announcing the arrival of their master, believed to be a monkey trapped for centuries.

• The guardian explains that this mountain was once known for its five phases but changed names due to historical events involving Emperor Tang's campaigns.

• They discover a distressed monkey who has been waiting for help while expressing eagerness to escape captivity.

Description of the Monkey

• The monkey is described as having an unkempt appearance with lichen on his head and dirt covering his face, symbolizing neglect from years in confinement.

• Despite his disheveled state, he retains sharp eyes and a tongue that show signs of life amidst his overall decay.

The Monkey's Request

• When approached by the guardian, the monkey expresses a desire to speak specifically with Tripitaka about escaping captivity.

• He reveals himself as "the Great Sage Equal to Heaven," explaining how he caused chaos in heaven 500 years ago leading to his punishment by Buddha.

Promise of Protection

• The monkey recounts how he promised Bodhisattva not to cause trouble again in exchange for protection during Tripitaka’s journey westward for sacred scriptures.

• He believes fulfilling this promise will lead to forgiveness for past offenses and hopes for substantial rewards upon liberation.

Plan for Liberation

• Tripitaka is initially confused about how to free him but learns from the monkey that only sincere intent is needed rather than tools or weapons.

• The monkey instructs him to retrieve a stone slab inscribed with golden letters at the mountain's peak; doing so would allow him freedom.

The Journey of Tripitaka and the Monkey King

The Sacred Quest Begins

• Tripitaka, referred to as "yo vuestro indigno discípulo chuan Tang," prays for guidance in retrieving sacred texts, expressing his hope that the monkey is a true follower rather than a deceiver.

• He touches the ground with his forehead, seeking divine approval before attempting to remove golden letters from a stone slab. Upon succeeding, he is met with an aromatic wind and a voice proclaiming freedom from imprisonment.

The Release of the Monkey King

• As the slab lifts, those present are filled with fear; however, they learn that the monkey can now leave his confinement. The monkey requests distance from Tripitaka and his companions to avoid frightening them upon his exit.

• A tremor shakes the mountain as the monkey emerges, showcasing both power and excitement at being free. He expresses gratitude towards Tripitaka and acknowledges Puo Chin's assistance in freeing him.

Establishing Relationships

• The monkey introduces himself as San and is honored by Tripitaka’s request for a religious name; he suggests "El peregrino San." This establishes their camaraderie as they prepare for their journey together.

• Puo Chin praises San's character, indicating confidence in him being a good travel companion while expressing his need to return home after assisting them. Tripitaka shows appreciation for Puo Chin's help during this phase of their quest.

Encountering Danger

• Shortly after departing from the mountain, they encounter a fierce tiger that causes fear among Tripitaka’s group; however, San remains unfazed and views it as an opportunity rather than a threat.

• San uses magic to transform an item into a weapon capable of defeating the tiger effortlessly with one blow—demonstrating both strength and skill while instilling awe in onlookers like Chen Suan Chang who witnesses this act of power firsthand.

Reflection on Strength

• After defeating the tiger with ease, San reflects on strength dynamics by suggesting that no matter how strong one may be, there will always be someone stronger—a philosophical insight stemming from their recent encounter with danger.

Transformation and Power

The Peregrine's Magical Abilities

• The peregrine demonstrates his magical prowess by transforming his hair into a sharp curved knife, showcasing his ability to conjure tools from thin air.

• He skillfully uses the knife to skin a tiger, displaying not only his combat skills but also an understanding of resourcefulness in acquiring materials for clothing.

• After cutting the tiger's skin, he assesses its size and decides to split it in half for practicality, indicating a pragmatic approach to problem-solving.

Journey and Companionship

• As they continue their journey, the peregrine transforms a bar of iron into a small needle, emphasizing his versatility and readiness for any situation that may arise.

• Tripitaka expresses surprise at the disappearance of the weapon used against the tiger; the peregrine reassures him about its transformative powers acquired from the Dragon Palace.

• The peregrine claims he can dominate creatures and discern truth through observation, highlighting themes of power dynamics and perception in their travels.

Reflections on Power

• He boasts about his ability to change size at will or become invisible, suggesting an exploration of identity and capability within their adventures. This raises questions about how power is perceived by others during challenges.

• Tripitaka feels more at ease after hearing these assertions as they ride together under changing skies filled with vibrant colors signaling dusk. Their camaraderie grows stronger through shared experiences on this journey.

Seeking Shelter

Arrival at a House

• As night approaches, the peregrine urges urgency in finding shelter; they spot trees indicating nearby habitation which reflects their need for safety during travel.

• Upon reaching a house, Tripitaka knocks loudly while expressing concern over being mistaken for threats due to their appearance—especially with the tiger skin worn by the peregrine.

Encounter with an Elderly Man

• An elderly man appears frightened by their presence; he mistakes them for ghosts due to their unusual attire and demeanor—a reflection on societal perceptions of fear versus reality.

• Tripitaka quickly reassures him that they are not spirits but travelers seeking refuge; this interaction highlights themes of misunderstanding based on appearances and intentions behind actions.

Dialogue About Identity

• The elder questions why they would arrive with someone who looks sinister; Tripitaka defends both himself and his disciple’s character while revealing their quest for Buddhist scriptures—a significant cultural reference point linking back to spiritual journeys undertaken throughout history.

The Encounter with the Great Sage

Recognition and Escape

• The character reveals his identity as a great sage imprisoned in the stone dungeon of the Mountain of Two Frontiers, prompting curiosity from others.

• The sage explains how he escaped due to a bodhisattva's intervention, who promised to make him a disciple after his release.

Family Connections

• The elder asks Wuk Kun about his age; Wuk Kun humorously claims to have lived for over 500 years underground.

• The elder recalls family history, mentioning that the mountain fell from the sky and contained a divine monkey, establishing a connection between their pasts.

Hospitality and Shared Heritage

• Despite initial appearances, the elder shows kindness by preparing vegetarian food for his guests.

• Tripitaka introduces himself and clarifies his true surname is Chen, revealing shared ancestry with the elder.

Requests for Comfort

• Wuk Kun requests hot water for bathing after being trapped for centuries without cleanliness.

• After bathing, Wuk Kun asks for needle and thread to repair clothing, showcasing practical needs post-liberation.

Journey Resumes Amidst Challenges

• Following their stay, they prepare to leave early in the morning with provisions provided by the elder.

• As they travel through winter landscapes, they encounter harsh weather conditions that challenge their journey.

Confrontation on the Path

Unexpected Encounters

• Six armed men block their path demanding everything they possess; Tripitaka is terrified while Wuk Kun remains composed.

Misunderstandings and Tensions

• Tripitaka misinterprets their intentions as hostile demands rather than assistance; he feels overwhelmed by fear.

Courageous Approach

Encounter with the Bandits and Moral Dilemma

The Confrontation Begins

• The speaker claims to be the "kings of the road" and demands that travelers surrender their belongings, threatening violence if they refuse.

• A character, referred to as "the pilgrim," admits he has never heard of these bandits, prompting one of them to introduce himself and his companions by their senses: sight, hearing, smell, taste, mind, and body.

Escalation of Violence

• One bandit mocks the pilgrim's authority and demands that he return what he has stolen or face dire consequences.

• The bandits attack the pilgrim with weapons but are astonished when he remains unharmed despite receiving numerous blows.

The Pilgrim's Response

• The pilgrim humorously suggests that the bandits are tiring from their efforts before revealing his true power as an acupuncturist.

• He transforms a small needle into a heavy iron bar and challenges the bandits to fight him.

Aftermath of Violence

• Despite their initial fear, the bandits scatter; however, the pilgrim swiftly defeats them one by one.

• Tripitaka reprimands the pilgrim for killing all the bandits instead of showing mercy or restraint.

Ethical Considerations in Violence

• Tripitaka emphasizes that monks should avoid violence at all costs and highlights a moral obligation to protect even small creatures from harm.

• He argues there is a significant difference between dying in self-defense versus committing murder.

Reflection on Past Actions

• The pilgrim defends his actions by recalling past experiences where he had to kill for survival while ruling over a mountain.

• Tripitaka counters that such violent behavior led to severe consequences in his past life and questions whether he can truly call himself a monk if he continues this path.

Consequences of Anger

• Frustrated by Tripitaka’s constant criticism, the pilgrim expresses his desire to leave rather than endure further scolding.

• In an impulsive act fueled by anger, he jumps away after declaring he's done with being reprimanded.

Isolation on His Journey

• Left alone after losing patience with Tripitaka's admonishments, the pilgrim disappears into thin air.

• Tripitaka resigns himself to continuing his journey alone without any companions due to unresolved conflicts.

Tripitaka's Journey and Encounters

Encounter with the Elderly Woman

• Tripitaka meets an elderly woman who inquires about his journey. He respectfully explains that he is traveling to the Western Paradise to retrieve authentic Buddhist scriptures on behalf of the Great King of the Eastern Lands.

• The woman expresses concern over Tripitaka's solo journey, noting its great distance (approximately 50,000 km). Tripitaka shares that he recently lost a strong-willed disciple due to a disagreement regarding his commitment to learning.

The Gift of Remembrance

• The elderly woman reveals she carries a silk robe and a golden crown belonging to her deceased son, which she received from his master after mourning. She offers these items as gifts for Tripitaka’s disciple, despite her own grief.

• Although grateful, Tripitaka hesitates to accept the gifts since he is currently without a disciple. The woman insists on knowing where his former disciple has gone.

A Magical Solution

• The elderly woman suggests that her home lies in the same direction as Tripitaka's missing disciple and offers to use a spell to control minds, ensuring he will return. She instructs him on how to use the gifts if necessary.

• After expressing gratitude, Tripitaka observes as the woman transforms into light and speeds away towards the east. Realizing she is a Bodhisattva, he prepares himself by practicing her mind-control spell.

Meeting with the Dragon King

• As Tripitaka continues his journey, he arrives at the Eastern Ocean where he opens a path through water leading directly to the Water Crystal Palace. Upon arrival, he is warmly welcomed by the Dragon King who acknowledges his liberation.

• The Dragon King expresses admiration for Tripitaka’s transformation into a monk due to guidance from the Bodhisattva of the Southern Seas. He notes that it’s commendable for someone like him to pursue goodness and truth while accompanying another monk westward for scriptures.

Reflections on Human Nature

• Despite acknowledging his new path as a monk, Tripitaka recounts an incident where bandits attacked them during their travels; instead of gratitude for defending them, his previous companion scolded him for using violence.

• This leads him back toward visiting the Dragon King out of appreciation. They share tea together before discussing past events depicted in artwork within the palace.

Historical Anecdote: The Triple Delivery of Shoes

• Curious about an artwork depicting an event called "the triple delivery of shoes," Tripitaka learns from the Dragon King about Wang Sherk and Chang Liang's story involving humility and respect through repeated acts of kindness despite discomfort.

The Journey of the Pilgrim and the Teachings of Master Tang

The Importance of Guidance

• The wise sage is warned that without following Master Tang's teachings, he risks becoming a rebellious immortal, emphasizing the necessity of continuous learning.

• The Dragon King advises against sacrificing future potential for temporary comfort, highlighting the importance of making wise decisions.

Departure and Reflection

• The pilgrim decides to return to his master immediately, showing respect for Master Tang's time and wisdom.

• Upon encountering the Bodhisattva of the seas, the pilgrim expresses gratitude for being saved from imprisonment by a monk from the Tang court.

Encounter with Master Tang

• The pilgrim finds Master Tang sitting by the roadside, who reveals he was waiting due to concern over the pilgrim’s sudden departure.

• A humorous exchange occurs as Tripitaka questions how long it took for tea when it only took half an hour; this highlights their differing abilities.

Sharing Resources

• Tripitaka mentions having food left from a mountain guardian's mother, indicating resourcefulness in their journey.

• The conversation shifts to clothing as Tripitaka reveals his silk robe and golden crown can enhance one's ability to recite scriptures effortlessly.

Magical Consequences

• The pilgrim excitedly tries on Tripitaka’s robe and crown but experiences severe discomfort as they seem to magically bind him.

• Despite attempts to remove them using various methods, he suffers intense pain linked to wearing these items, showcasing themes of power and consequence in magical practices.

Struggles with Authority

• As pain intensifies with each recitation by Tripitaka, it becomes clear that there are consequences tied to obedience and authority within their relationship.

The Conflict Between El Peregrino and Tripitaka

The Promise and the Confrontation

• El Peregrino promises to adhere to the rules set by Tripitaka, but his willingness is questioned as he shakes a needle that transforms into a bowl-sized object.

• Before he can strike, Tripitaka recites a spell multiple times, causing El Peregrino to collapse in excruciating pain, realizing the severity of his actions.

The Source of Power

• El Peregrino questions who taught Tripitaka the spell; Tripitaka reveals it was an old woman, which angers El Peregrino as he suspects her motives for inflicting such suffering.

Reflection and Realization

• Tripitaka advises El Peregrino to reflect on the situation, emphasizing that the spell could lead to death. This prompts El Peregrino to acknowledge his mistake and kneel before Tripitaka.

Commitment to Change

• After recognizing the extraordinary control exerted over him by the bodhisattva's method, El Peregrino vows not to disturb her again and agrees to accompany Tripitaka on their journey westward.

Moving Forward Together