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Today we explore a very human episode: how desire can derail even the well-intentioned. Let’s treat the story as both myth and mirror—what it says about the human heart and how we respond when temptation appears.

The four pilgrims reach a place where each is tested by worldly temptation. While Sanzang, Wukong and Friar Sand pass, Pigsy falls into the trap of lust. The test—staged by bodhisattvas—is meant to calm the mind and strengthen the pilgrims’ will.

Session Focus:
We will examine why sexual desire is such a critical test on the spiritual path and discuss practical strategies for avoiding lust’s traps in everyday life.

Key Questions for contemplation:

The Pig’s mother−in−law said. "If I give you the eldest, the second one will be upset; and if I give you the second one, I'm afraid the third one will be; and if I give you the third, the eldest will be−−so I haven't decided yet.”
The Pig said: “If there's any danger of them quarreling, then give me all of them, to save the family from being troubled with arguments and squabbles.”
Q1: What mindset is revealed by Pig’s response?

The woman said. "I have a handkerchief here. Tie it round your head to cover your face, and we can let Heaven decide which one you'll marry. I'll tell the girls to walk in front of you while you stretch your arms out. The one you catch, will be yours." The blockhead obediently tied the handkerchief round his head, and there is a verse to prove it:
The fool, not knowing his own fate,
Was wounded by the sword of sex as he harmed himself in secret.
There have always been proper wedding rites,
But today the groom blindfolded himself.
Q2: “There have always been proper wedding rites, but today the groom blindfolded himself.” What does this mean?

Sanzang and Fraiar Sand saw a piece of paper … Friar Sand hurried over to fetch it and show it to their master, who saw that there were eight lines of verse on it:
“The Old Woman of Mount Li had no yearning for the world,
But the Bodhisattva Guanyin persuaded her to come.
Samantabhadra and Manjusri were both present
Disguised as pretty girls among the trees.
The holy monk were too virtuous to return to lay life,
But the unreligious Pig was worse than worldly.
From now on he must calm his mind and reform,
If he misbehaves again, the journey will be hard.
Q3: Who are Samantabhadra and Manjusri?
Why would bodhisattvas and immortals disguise themselves to test pilgrims?

"Although that blockhead is obstinately stupid in mind and nature," said Sanzang, "he is an honest fellow. Besides, he is very strong and can carry the luggage−−and we should also remember that the Bodhisattva saved him and told him to come with us. I don't think he'll have the nerve to do it again."
Q4: What do you hear in Sanzang’s words about Pig?

The blockhead, burning with humiliation at being thus mocked, gritted his teeth to stop himself howling in his agony. Friar Sand was overcome with pity when he saw him, and putting down the luggage he went over and untied him. The idiot kowtowed to him in gratitude. He was suffering terrible remorse.
Q5: What does this interaction reveal about the relationship between Pig and Friar Sand?
How do we respond to others’ failures? What restores trust?

Sex is a sword that wounds the body;
Whoever lusts for it will suffer.
A pretty girl of sixteen
Is far more dangerous than a yaksha demon.
There is only one Origin,
And there are no extra profits to staff in the sack.
Better store all your capital away,
Guard it well, and don't squander it.
Q6: How do you interpret this verse?
How does it map to modern temptations — social media, pornography, consumer desire, affairs?

Take your time with these questions. Bring your insights, personal reflections, and discoveries into our circle for shared contemplation.

📚 Self-Study & Preparation:
https://chine.in/fichiers/jourwest.pdf
Chapter 24 (page 339 - 346)

💰 Participation Fee:
Pay-as-you-go: AUD $5 per session (via PayPal)

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