Session 37: The Saddle and Bridle Are Perfectly Ready to Fit the White Horse

Today, we gather to reflect on something universal yet often overlooked: success rarely stands alone. Behind each visible achievement lie countless moments of quiet preparation, hidden help, and timely support.

In this week’s reading, we see how Bodhisattva Guanyin gently weaves everything together for the pilgrims’ journey: from the fisherman on the river, to the perfect saddle and bridle, to the local deities who quietly watch over them.

Session Focus:
In this session, we’ll appreciate how everything — large and small — has been meticulously prepared by Bodhisattva Guanyin. Reflect on the contrasting attitudes of Wukong and Sanzang, especially regarding courtesy and humility. Consider what these differences reveal about their characters.

Key Questions for contemplation:

Monkey waved his hand and shouted to the aged fisherman, "Come here, fisherman, come here. We're from the East, and we're going to fetch the scriptures. My master is having some trouble crossing the river, so come and ferry him over.”…When Monkey found a few Great Tang coins and notes to give the fisherman, the old man pushed his raft off from the shore with the words, "I don't want your money, I don't want your money," and drifted off into mid−stream.
Q1: Did Monkey remember the instruction from Bodhisattva Guanyin?
Why didn’t the fisherman accept the money?
Who truly was the fisherman?

Monkey's sharp eyes had noticed a clothes−line under the eaves of the building. He went over, tore it down, and hobbled the horse with it. "Where did you steal that horse from?" the old man asked with a smile. . . . Sanzang apologized for Monkey, "You're too impatient, you naughty monkey. You could have asked the old gentleman for a piece of rope to tether the horse with. There was no need to snap his clothes−line."
Q2: What do these actions reveal about the character of Wukong and Sanzang?
How do you feel about Monkey’s impatience versus Sanzang’s gentle courtesy?

When Monkey got up the next morning he said, "Master, that old sacristan promised us the saddle and bridle last night. You must insist and not let him off." Before the words were out of his mouth, the old man appeared with the saddle and bridle in his hands, as well as saddle−cloth, saddle−pad, reins, muzzle and all the other trappings for a horse. Nothing was missing.
Q3: Why do you think Wukong was suspicious of the old man’s generosity?
What does this reveal about his past experiences or mindset?

Monkey, who was secretly very pleased, put the saddle and bridle on the horse and found that they fitted as if they had been made to measure.
Q4: How do you feel learning they fitted perfectly?
What deeper message might this hold about divine preparation and trust?

The old man disappeared, and on turning round to look at the temple, the monk could see nothing but a stretch of empty land. He heard a voice saying in the sky, "Holy monk, we have been very abrupt with you. We are the mountain god and the local deity of Potaraka Island, and we were sent by the Bodhisattva Guanyin to give you the saddle and bridle. You two are now to make for the West as fast as you can, and not to slacken your pace for a moment."
Q5: What message do you take from the words of the mountain god and local deity?

Sanzang worshipped the heavens, saying, "My eyes of flesh and my mortal body prevented me from recognizing you, noble gods; forgive me, I beg you. Please convey my gratitude to the Bodhisattva for her mercy." Look at him, kowtowing to the sky more often than you could count. The Great Sage Sun Wukong, the Handsome Monkey King, was standing by the path overcome with laughter and beside himself with amusement. . . .
Sanzang replied, "what do you mean by standing beside the path sneering at me and not even making a single bow while I've done all those kowtows?"
Monkey said, ”I let them off out of respect for the Bodhisattva. That's quite enough: they couldn't expect me to bow to them too, could they? I've been a tough guy since I was a kid, and I don't bow to anyone. Even when I meet the Jade Emperor or the Supreme Lord Lao Zi I just chant a 'na−a−aw' and that's all."
Q6: What difference do you see in the courtesy and reverence of Sanzang and Wukong?
What might explain these differences in character and upbringing?
How do these differences serve their journey?

Take your time to think about these questions. Bring your insights, surprises, and interpretations to share in our circle.

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

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Self-study and preparation:

English text:
https://chine.in/fichiers/jourwest.pdf
Chapter 15 (page 224 - 229)

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