VIAJE AL OESTE. Las Aventuras del Rey Mono. cap 2

Understanding the Doctrine of Voice and Unity

Introduction to Sanó Kun's Journey

• The chapter begins with a focus on the extraordinary doctrine of voice, leading to unity of spirit after receiving a new name. The joyful King of Monkeys expresses gratitude by bowing before his voice.

• Sanó Kun is instructed in proper speech and etiquette by a group of immortals, who prepare a place for him to rest.

Daily Routine and Learning

• Over six or seven years, Sanó Kun learns language arts, sacred texts, doctrinal discussions, calligraphy, and incense burning as part of his daily routine.

• His responsibilities include gardening tasks like cleaning weeds, planting flowers, gathering wood for fire, fetching water, and serving others.

Instruction from the Patriarch

• One day, the patriarch gathers all immortals to teach them about the great doctrine. His eloquent words cause golden lotuses to bloom from the earth.

• He discusses the three means of understanding with elegance; even minor insights can lead to deeper knowledge.

Emotional Response from Students

• A student named Yu Qun becomes overwhelmed with joy during the teachings and starts dancing. The patriarch questions this behavior.

• Yu Qun humbly asks for forgiveness while explaining that he couldn't contain his excitement upon hearing such wonderful teachings.

Reflection on Time Spent in Learning

• When asked how long he has been in the cave, Yu Qun admits he doesn't remember but mentions enjoying peaches from a nearby mountain.

• The patriarch deduces that Yu Qun has been there for at least seven years based on his peach consumption.

Exploring Taoist Practices

• The patriarch offers various paths within Taoism (360 classes), emphasizing obedience as a virtue.

• Yu Qun expresses willingness to learn whatever is deemed important by his master regarding Taoist practices.

Discussion on Immortality Practices

• The patriarch explains different schools' teachings (Confucianism, Buddhism, etc.) but emphasizes their limitations concerning immortality.

• He uses an analogy about inserting columns into walls to illustrate that some practices may not be durable or effective over time.

Patriarch's Teachings on Immortality and Practices

The Purpose of Practices

• The patriarch discusses the purpose of various practices such as fasting, abstinence, meditation, and yoga to cultivate stillness and control over one's body.

• He emphasizes that these practices are akin to unbaked bricks in a kiln, suggesting they lack true value without proper refinement.

The Illusion of Immortality

• The patriarch argues that attempting to achieve immortality through superficial practices is futile, comparing it to trying to see the moon's mysteries reflected in water.

• He introduces the concept of "division of action," which encompasses numerous activities aimed at balance and harmony.

Discontent with Learning

• A character expresses disinterest in learning from the patriarch, prompting a frustrated response from him about the nature of knowledge and understanding.

• The patriarch reacts strongly to this refusal by confronting the individual directly, highlighting a clash between teacher and student.

Reactions from Others

• Following the confrontation, other characters express their anger towards the disinterested student for missing an opportunity for magical teachings.

• Despite ridicule from peers, the student remains unfazed and reflects on deeper meanings behind his interactions with the patriarch.

Anticipation for Knowledge

• The student realizes that he has been subtly instructed by the patriarch through physical actions (three taps), indicating readiness for deeper teachings.

• As night falls, he prepares himself mentally for what he hopes will be an enlightening experience during his secretive learning session with the patriarch.

Encountering Wisdom

• In a moment of solitude under the night sky, he contemplates time and existence while waiting for guidance.

• Upon finding an open door leading to his mentor’s chamber, he feels hopeful about receiving wisdom but discovers that the patriarch is asleep.

Reflections on Teaching

• When finally addressing his sleeping mentor, he acknowledges how challenging it is to convey profound truths effectively.

The Teachings of the Patriarch

The Encounter with the Patriarch

• A disciple expresses frustration at being summoned unexpectedly, revealing a sense of urgency and importance in his visit to the patriarch.

• The patriarch acknowledges the disciple's determination, recognizing him as someone who is truly connected to celestial origins due to his understanding of intentions.

The Path to Immortality

• The disciple requests guidance on achieving eternal life, emphasizing gratitude for any wisdom shared by the patriarch.

• The patriarch agrees to teach him about the extraordinary path to immortality, highlighting the significance of listening carefully.

Vital Forces and Inner Power

• Key teachings focus on harnessing vital forces such as semen, breath, and spirit; these are deemed essential for absolute power.

• Emphasis is placed on maintaining these forces within oneself and avoiding their dispersion for spiritual growth.

Mastery Over Nature

• The teachings include mastering elemental phases and achieving unity within oneself, which can lead one towards becoming a Buddha or an immortal.

• After receiving this knowledge, the disciple feels enlightened and records everything meticulously before leaving.

Transformation Through Practice

• Upon returning home, the disciple wakes others up excitedly but keeps his profound revelation secret while practicing diligently over three years.

The Return of the Patriarch

Teaching Moments

• The patriarch resumes teaching disciples about parables and external behaviors while seeking out a specific student named Kun.

Recognition of Progress

• Kun shares insights into understanding nature through diligent study; this impresses the patriarch who recognizes his progress in grasping deeper truths.

Cautionary Wisdom

• Despite Kun’s advancements, he is warned about potential dangers that come with knowledge—specifically referencing "three calamities."

The Dangers of Knowledge

Understanding Consequences

• The patriarch clarifies that true mastery involves engaging with cosmic powers which can attract negative consequences if not handled wisely.

Long-Term Implications

The Journey of Transformation and Mastery

The Nature of Calamities

• The concept of "fire of the yin" is introduced, symbolizing an internal force that can lead to destruction if not managed properly.

• A foreboding wind, referred to as the "powerful wind," is described as a calamity that transcends typical seasonal winds, indicating a unique and dangerous force.

• This powerful wind penetrates the body through the head and dissolves flesh and bones, emphasizing the severity of these calamities.

Seeking Knowledge

• A character kneels before his master, pleading for guidance on how to avoid these three calamities, showcasing humility and respect for wisdom.

• The patriarch responds that while knowledge is accessible, it requires understanding one's unique differences from others in order to learn effectively.

Understanding Differences

• The protagonist humorously reflects on physical differences between himself and others, highlighting a deeper philosophical inquiry into identity.

• The patriarch offers two methods of mastery: "celestial ladle art" with 36 transformations or "earthly multitude art" with 72 transformations.

Mastery Through Practice

• Choosing to learn the earthly multitude art, the protagonist quickly grasps complex formulas due to his innate ability to deduce further knowledge from what he learns.

• After diligent practice under his master's guidance, he claims to have achieved perfection in flying like mist.

Demonstrating Skills

• During a demonstration for his master, he showcases his flying abilities but receives playful criticism regarding the nature of his flight.

• The patriarch explains true mastery involves traveling vast distances effortlessly rather than merely floating short distances.

Overcoming Challenges

• Emphasizing mental barriers over physical limitations, the patriarch encourages perseverance in mastering difficult skills.

The Journey of We Kum

Mastering New Skills

• We Kum secures his future by delivering messages and documents, showcasing a practical approach to life.

• During a summer gathering, disciples inquire about We Kum's past merits that led to his special teachings from the master.

• We Kum acknowledges the importance of the master's teachings and his dedication in mastering new skills.

Demonstration of Powers

• One disciple suggests a demonstration of We Kum's powers, leading him to transform into a pine tree.

• The transformation is impressive; the pine tree symbolizes growth and connection with nature, contrasting with We Kum's previous form as a monkey.

Reaction from Disciples

• The disciples express their amazement at We Kum’s transformation, celebrating it enthusiastically without realizing they disturb the patriarch’s meditation.

• Upon being confronted by the patriarch for their behavior, they attempt to explain their excitement over We Kum's demonstration.

Consequences of Actions

• The patriarch reprimands them for their lack of decorum and emphasizes that practitioners should maintain composure to preserve vital energy.

• The disciples confess their joy in witnessing We Kum’s abilities but acknowledge they did not intend to disrupt anyone.

A Lesson on Responsibility

• The patriarch warns We Kum about potential dangers arising from his actions and urges him to be more responsible with his powers.

• He stresses that revealing such abilities could lead others to seek out secrets irresponsibly, putting We Kum in danger.

Departure and Reflection

• After receiving stern advice from the patriarch, We Kum expresses sorrow at leaving but understands it is necessary for his safety.

Return of the Monkey King

The Journey Back

• After enduring immense suffering, the protagonist declares that he has learned everything without a teacher. He thanks the patriarch and performs a magical sign to ascend into the sky.

• The beautiful king of monkeys expresses joy upon returning to his homeland, reflecting on how light he feels compared to when he left due to past burdens.

• He recalls the ease of crossing the ocean on his return journey, contrasting it with previous hardships and noting how he can now see familiar landscapes.

Arrival at Home

• Upon landing in the Mountain of Flowers and Fruits, he hears various animal sounds that evoke both joy and sadness as he announces his return.

• The monkeys gather around their king, showing respect by bowing and expressing their longing for him during his absence.

Challenges Faced by His Subjects

• The monkeys inform their king about a monster that has taken over their cave while they were left unprotected during his absence.

• They describe how this creature has kidnapped young monkeys and forced them into constant vigilance over their possessions.

Confrontation with the Monster

• Enraged, the king demands details about this monster's behavior and identity from his subjects.

• The monkeys reveal that this creature is known as "the monstrous king of disasters," who appears suddenly and vanishes just as quickly.

Preparing for Battle

• The monkey king decides not to fear this monster; instead, he vows to confront it directly after gathering information about its location.

• As he travels northward towards a formidable mountain, he observes its beauty contrasted with signs of danger lurking within its depths.

Encountering Mischief Makers

• While admiring nature's splendor, the monkey king hears voices descending from the mountain which leads him to discover mischievous spirits dancing near a cave entrance.

• He identifies himself as lord of the Cave of Waterfall Curtain and asserts that he's come to address grievances caused by the monstrous king.

Call for Action

The Encounter Between the Monstrous King and We Kum

The Monstrous King's Appearance and Attitude

• The monstrous king laughs derisively, questioning the monkeys about their absent king who went to learn great secrets. He describes his attire: a red tunic with a yellow sash and black boots, appearing neither monk nor secular.

• The king is portrayed as mad, demanding an account from We Kum while being completely unarmed. His demeanor is arrogant as he orders his minions to equip him for battle.

We Kum's Defiance

• As We Kum confronts the monstrous king, he notes the latter's impressive armor: a black silk tunic and iron armor that suggests both power and intimidation.

• The monstrous king boasts of his size and strength, mocking We Kum’s stature while underestimating his capabilities.

The Battle Begins

• We Kum retorts confidently about his potential strength, claiming he can reach any height he desires. He prepares to demonstrate his prowess by attacking the king.

• A fierce exchange ensues where We Kum uses agility to evade attacks while delivering powerful punches that momentarily stagger the monstrous king.

Escalation of Conflict

• Despite initial success in close combat, the monstrous king resorts to using his scimitar when feeling threatened by We Kum’s strikes.

• In response to increasing aggression from the king, We Kum employs a transformation technique involving hair from his body to create numerous smaller monkeys for assistance.

Transformation Technique and Its Impact

• This technique allows We Kum to multiply himself into hundreds of smaller monkeys capable of overwhelming the monstrous king through sheer numbers.

• These small monkeys distract and attack the king effectively, rendering traditional weapons ineffective against them.

Conclusion of Battle

• Seizing an opportunity amidst chaos, We Kum retrieves the scimitar from the monstrous king and delivers a decisive blow that splits him in two.

• After defeating the monstrous king, We Kum turns on fleeing minions within their cave hideout, eliminating all remaining threats without mercy.

Aftermath

Return to the Cave

Discovery of Stolen Utensils

• The protagonist highlights that scattered utensils on the ground actually belong to their cave, emphasizing their importance. These items, including stone bowls and pots, were stolen by a beast.

• A decision is made to load these items quickly and set fire to the cave as a means of reclaiming their space. This act signifies a turning point in their struggle against the beast.

Journey Back Home

• The group expresses fear about returning home, recalling how they arrived on strong winds that carried them like clouds without direction. They are uncertain about which way to go now.

• The leader reassures them, claiming expertise in navigating various challenges and instructs them to close their eyes while he conjures a powerful wind for their journey back.

Arrival at Familiar Grounds

• Upon opening their eyes, the monkeys find themselves back on solid ground, filled with joy as they recognize familiar paths leading back home. Their return symbolizes hope and resilience after adversity.

• They eagerly reunite with those waiting for them in the caves, marking a celebratory moment filled with relief and happiness among the community.

Celebrating Victory Over the Beast

• During a grand banquet welcoming back their king, questions arise about how he defeated the monster that had captured young ones; he recounts his adventures in detail, earning enthusiastic applause from his subjects.

• He shares tales of his travels across oceans and learning human ways before finally mastering skills that led him to defeat the beast—an inspiring narrative of growth and perseverance.

Revelations About Heritage

• The king reveals his lineage as part of an esteemed family called "Lozanne," which excites his followers who celebrate this connection enthusiastically by acknowledging themselves as part of this noble lineage too.