Session 40: The Black Bear Spirit Stole the Cassock

After learning that the cassock has been stolen by the Black Bear Spirit, Wukong charges up Black Wind Mountain in an effort to reclaim it. Despite several intense battles, the outcome remains unresolved.

Session Focus:
This week, we’ll continue our exploration of Wukong’s mindset and character. How does he respond when provoked, challenged, or thwarted? What do his actions reveal about his stage of transformation on the spiritual path?

Key Questions for contemplation:

As soon as Monkey heard him mention the Buddha's robe he was sure it was their treasure, and unable to hold back his anger he leapt out from the cliff brandishing his gold−banded cudgel with both hands and shouting, "I'll get you, you gang of devils. You stole our cassock, and now you think you're going to have a 'Buddha's Robe Banquet'. Give it back to me at once.”
……”Don’t move," Monkey barked, swinging the cudgel and bringing it down towards the monster's head. The dark fellow turned into a wind to flee in terror, and the Taoist rode off on a cloud; so Monkey was only able to slay the white−robed scholar with a blow from the club.
Q1: What habitual traits do you notice in Wukong’s reaction?
How might such reactions help or hinder progress on the journey?

On hearing this the fiend laughed and said, "So you're the Protector of the Horses who wrecked Heaven, are you?” Monkey, who got angrier at being addressed by this title than at anything else, was furious.
Q2: Why does this old title trigger such anger in Wukong?
What mindset is revealed here?
Do you ever see similar reactivity in yourself when labeled based on the past?

“Great have been my magic powers since childhood;
Changing with the wind, I show my might.
…Enquire throughout the Four Seas, Heaven and Earth:
You'll find that I'm the greatest monster ever.“ (page 247-249)
Q3: What does Wukong’s boastful self-introduction reveal about his inner state?
How does this align—or not—with the spiritual journey he’s on?

"You accursed beast," Monkey replied, "how can you call yourself a real man? If you were, you wouldn't be needing to eat after only half a day. I never even tasted water once in those five hundred years I spent under the mountain, but I wasn't hungry. Stop making excuses, and don't go. I'll let you have your meal if you give me back my cassock."
Q4: What does this comment tell us about Wukong’s pride and memory of past suffering?
Why might the Black Bear Spirit need to eat, while Wukong could endure five centuries without food?

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

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

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📚 Self-Study & Preparation:
https://chine.in/fichiers/jourwest.pdf
Chapter 17 (page 242 - 251)

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