Session 41: Wukong Seeks Guanyin’s Help to Subdue the Black Bear Spirit

After several more rounds of fierce battle with the Black Bear Spirit, Wukong still cannot defeat him or recover the stolen cassock. He decides to seek the aid of Bodhisattva Guanyin to bring the spirit under control.

Session Focus:
We’ll explore the character traits of the Black Bear Spirit, noticing subtle details that reveal his nature, and reflect on why Bodhisattva Guanyin later chooses to keep him for a good purpose.

Key Questions for contemplation:

As Monkey came to the front gates he saw that the courtyard was green with bamboo and cypress, while peach and plum trees vied in beauty amid blossoming shrubs and fragrant orchids. It was a cave paradise. He also saw a couplet inscribed on the gates that read:
In peaceful retirement deep in the hills, one is free of vulgar worries;
Dwelling quietly in a magic cave, happy in divine simplicity.
"This wretch has escaped from the dirt and dust of the world," thought Monkey, "and is a fiend who understands life.”
Q1: What does Monkey observe about the Black Bear Spirit from the setting of his courtyard?
How do you interpret Wukong’s insight that the Black Bear Spirit “understands life”?

From the mouth of the cave the pair of them fought to the top of the mountain, and from the top of the mountain they battled their way beyond the clouds. They breathed out wind and mist, set sand and stones flying, and struggled till the red sun set in the West, but the contest was still undecided.
…”How do your tricks compare with his?" Sanzang asked.
"I'm not much better than him," Monkey replied, "and I can only keep my end up."
Q2: Why is Wukong — once the Great Sage Equal to Heaven who defeated celestial warriors — unable to overpower the Black Bear Spirit here?

The senior monk fell to knees as fast as he could and said, "My lord, he was human. But because that Great Black King was cultivating the ways of humanity he often came to our temple to discuss the scriptures with our Patriarch, and taught him some of the arts of nourishing the divine and controlling the vital essence. That was why they were on friendly terms."
Q3: What qualities of the Black Bear Spirit are revealed in this account from the senior monk?

"My master's journey has brought him to a monastery of yours," Monkey replied to Bodhisattva Guanyin, “and I find that although you accept incense from its monks, you allow a black bear spirit to live in the neighbourhood, and have let him steal my master's cassock. I've tried to take it off him a number of times but got nowhere, so now I've come to ask you to demand it from him."
"What nonsense, you ape," the Bodhisattva retorted. "Even if a bear spirit has stolen your cassock, what business have you to ask me to go and demand it for you? It all happened because you wanted to show it off, you big−headed and evil baboon, in front of petty−minded people. On top of that, in your wickedness you called up the wind to spread the fire that burnt down my monastery. And now you have the nerve to try your tricks here.”
These words from the Bodhisattva made Monkey realize that she knew all about the past and the future, so he hastily bowed down in reverence and pleaded, "Bodhisattva, forgive your disciple his sins, everything you say is true. All the same, my master will recite that spell again because that monster won't give back the cassock, and I couldn't bear the agonizing headache. That's why I came to bother you, Bodhisattva. I beg you in your mercy to help me catch that evil spirit, get the cassock back, and carry on towards the West."
Q4: How does Bodhisattva Guanyin reframe Monkey’s story and reveal his true motives?
What change in Monkey’s attitude is shown by his gesture afterwards?

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

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📚 Self-Study & Preparation:
https://chine.in/fichiers/jourwest.pdf
Chapter 17 (page 252 - 257)

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