Session 35: Wukong Returns to Sanzang and Is Tamed by the Spell

Is your heart unsettled?
Do you have your own “spell” to calm and guide it?

After Wukong angrily leaves his master Sanzang, he visits the Dragon King of the Eastern Ocean, who gently persuades him to change his mind. Meanwhile, Bodhisattva Guanyin gives Sanzang the golden band and the tightening spell, tools to help tame Wukong’s unruly nature.

Session Focus:
We’ll explore what we can learn from how the Dragon King and Bodhisattva Guanyin helped Wukong return, and reflect on the deeper meaning of the golden band.

Key Questions for contemplation:

Q1: Do you think the Dragon King was expecting Wukong’s visit?
What clues suggest he was prepared?

Q2: What is the story of “Presenting the Shoe Three Times at the Yi Bridge” about?
What lesson or insight do you personally gain from it?
Why do you think the Dragon King chose to share this story with Wukong?

(After hearing the Dragon King told the story of Zhang Liang) Monkey hummed and hawed, but said nothing.
Q3: What do you think was going on in Wukong’s mind at that moment?
What can we learn from the Dragon King’s approach in speaking with Wukong?
What does this teach us about helping others change?

"Will you accept my instruction now?" Sanzang asked.
"Yes," Monkey replied.
"Will you misbehave again in future?"
"I certainly won't," said Monkey.
Although he had made this verbal promise, he was still nurturing evil thoughts, and he shook his needle in the wind till it was as thick as a ricebowl. He turned on the Tang Priest, and was on the point of finishing him off when the terrified Sanzang recited the spell two or three more times.
Q4: What do you see in Wukong’s state of mind and character at this moment?
What does this reveal about human nature?

Q5: What is the symbolic meaning of the golden band?
In your own life, what might be your “golden band” — something that keeps you patient, calm, and disciplined when your mind is restless? Share your “golden band” stories!

Take time to reflect on these questions, and bring your thoughts, your wonderings, and your interpretations to Session 35.

Members’ Blogging Space:
Share your reflections and learnings:
https://www.hellosuliving.com/blog

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Self-study and preparation:

English text:
https://chine.in/fichiers/jourwest.pdf
Chapter 14 (page 214 - 217)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

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