Session 43: Wukong Meets Pigsy for the First Time

In this session, we meet a new and unforgettable character—Pigsy. But before we laugh at his quirks, the story reminds us of a deeper question: how often do we mistake appearance for reality? Squire Gao recoils at Monkey’s “ugly” face, while Pigsy first looked charming but slowly revealed his true nature. In our own lives too, we’re often quick to judge by what’s on the surface, forgetting that appearances can be deceiving, while true character takes time to see.

When Master Sanzang and Wukong arrive at the Old Gao Village, they hear from Squire Gao about his troublesome monster son-in-law. Hoping for help, Gao asks them to capture the demon. Wukong then disguises himself as Gao’s daughter to trick and confront Pigsy.

Session Focus:
In this session, we’ll reflect on how to look beyond “face” to discern the reality of people and situations—and how that wisdom can guide us in everyday life.

Key Questions for contemplation:

At the sight of Brother Monkey's ugly face the old man decided not to bow to him. "Why won't you pay your respects to me?" Monkey asked, at which the old man, somewhat frightened, said to the young man, "You'll be the death of me, you little wretch. We've already got one hideous monster at home as a son−in−law we can't get rid of, so why ever did you have to bring this thunder god here to ruin us?"
Monkey said, "Gao, old chap, you've been living all these years for nothing−−you've still got no sense. It's completely wrong to judge people by their faces. I may be no beauty, but I'm quite clever. I'll grab that evil spirit for you, catch that demon, seize your son−in−law, and give you back your daughter. I'll be doing you a good turn, so there's no need to fuss about my looks."
Q1: Why does Wukong say that Squire Gao is judging people by appearances?
Why do people in general tend to judge others by their faces?
What insights can we gain from this phenomenon of judging by appearances?

The old man said, “The About three years ago a good−looking young fellow turned up who said that his name was Zhu and he came from the Mountain of Blessing. . . .As day followed day, there was nothing wrong with him, except that he started to look different. At first he was a plump, dark chap, but later on he became a long−nosed, big−eared idiot with thick black hairs running down from the back of his head and a great, thick body. His face is just like a pig's. His appetite is enormous, too."
Q2: Why did Pigsy’s appearance gradually shift from attractive to ugly?
What does this reveal about the relationship between inner nature and outward form?

The monster admitted, ”I may be a bit of an eyesore, but if you want me to be a good−looker I can fix that without any difficulty.”
Q3: If Pigsy could make himself appear handsome, why didn’t he bother to do so?
What does this suggest about how he views appearances, or about his true character?

Q4: Review: In session 22, how did Bodhisattva Guanyin shift Pig’s perspective through her words of wisdom and compassion?
What specific order did Bodhisattva Guanyin give to Pigsy regarding his diet?

As we close today’s session, we are reminded that appearances can charm, deceive, or even frighten us—but they rarely tell the full story. Monkey teaches us that true worth lies not in the face but in the heart, in the actions and intentions that unfold over time. Pigsy, too, shows how one’s outward image shifts with inner habits and choices. In our everyday lives, may we practice seeing more deeply—looking past the surface to discern character, truth, and integrity, both in others and in ourselves.

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

📝 Members’ Blogging Space:
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📚 Self-Study & Preparation:
https://chine.in/fichiers/jourwest.pdf
Chapter 18 (page 265 - 271)

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